Manchester United transfer news: Southampton star Nathaniel Clyne close to completing OT switch

Manchester United are closing in on securing the services of Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne, according to the Times.

The 24-year-old has been in fine form for the Saints this season and has been attracting interest from the Red Devils, while the newly-crowned Premier League champions Chelsea are also in the race to sign the right-back.

United have already agreed terms with PSV Eindhoven for Memphis Depay. They have now stepped up the negotiations and are in advanced stages to land the England international, who is likely to be the second signing of this summer.

The Old Trafford club signed Luke Shaw from Southampton last summer and are looking to bring another player from St Mary's Stadium. United have increased the fee in order to convince the South Coast club to part ways with their star full-back.

The 20-time English champions have made an improved offer of £18m ($27.7m) and are ahead of Chelsea for Clyne's signature. The defender has one year left on his contract and Southampton have already offered him an extension.

However, Clyne is not willing to continue with his current employers beyond this season as he has set his sights on playing in the Champions League.

"It's always good to have teams looking out for you, it shows how well you've been doing all season. I am going to take that, and keep on performing and be the best player I can be," Clyne told Sky Sports.

"Right now I'm concentrating on playing for Southampton, there are still games to play, and try to push for that fourth spot. I am an ambitious person and I want to play Champions League football. To win the title and the FA Cup, that is what I want."

United are fourth in the table with 68 points, six points ahead of fifth place Liverpool with two more games remaining in this season. Van Gaal's side have a better goal difference than the Merseyside club and a point in the next two matches will help them secure a top four finish.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has deployed winger Antonio Valencia in the right-back position, ahead of Rafael Da Silva.

Earlier in April, Southampton manager Ronald Koeman had given Clyne 10 days to commit his future to the club. With the right-back not signing a new deal, he is set to leave the Saints for United.