Manchester United: Louis van Gaal ready to part with Javier Hernandez to land Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne

Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in signing Southampton full-back Nathaniel Clyne, and are willing to part with striker Javier Hernandez as part of the deal.

According to Goal, the United hierarchy are highly impressed with the Saints right-back and are ready to offer them a fee of around £25m to bring him to Old Trafford in the summer.

Clyne has been one of the key components in Ronald Koeman's team, which has surprised many by their consistent performance in the Premier League, which sees them challenging the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United for a place in next season's Champions League.

The 22-year-old defender's impressive performances have seen him being handed his Three Lions debut by England manager Roy Hodgson, and becoming the first-choice right-back for his country.

United are keen to get a replacement for current full-back Rafael and have identified Clyne as the perfect candidate and they are willing to let Hernandez move in the other direction as part of the fee.

The Mexican striker, who was surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, was loaned to Real Madrid at the start of the current campaign. But the forward has struggled to get any game time at the Santiago Bernabeu and recently admitted that he wants to leave the Spanish capital club after becoming frustrated at not being given a chance.

Moreover, the deal could go in United's favour as the Saints have expressed a keenness to sign the on-loan Real forward and with United valuing him at around £10m, they will have to pay just around the £15m mark to land their priority defender target for the summer.