Manchester United are one of a reported six clubs thought to be interested in Crystal Palace’s highly-rated defender Nathaniel Clyne.
The 21-year-old full-back is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the Football Leagues and was named Palace’s Player of the Year for the 2010-11 season.
Clyne decided to reject a new offer from Palace and is set to leave Selhurst Park this summer when his contract expires, and there appears to be no shortage of interest in the England Under-21 international.
Local British newspaper, the Evening Chronicle, has claimed United, Newcastle, Everton, Fulham, West Ham, and Dutch champions Ajax have all made contact with Clyne’s representatives about a potential move.
United are, somewhat unsurprisingly, thought to be favourites for Clyne’s signature as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to continue his policy of recruiting the most exciting English talent available.
With Clyne’s contract expiring, Palace boss Dougie Freedman has admitted he is concerned by the prospect of going to a tribunal, where Palace, who have been Clyne’s club since a trainee, could be left stung in a compensation settlement.
However, Freedman is hopeful that interested clubs would rather do a deal with Palace than face the uncertainty of a tribunal.
“I don’t think people will do that because they get very nervous with going to tribunals, there is not one set figure.
“Any responsible club would rather sit down face to face with our chairman and say ‘Let’s thrash a deal out’, if they want the kid.
“I believe it will go that route, it’s just a matter of seeing what happens.”
Freedman also suggested Clyne may already have his heart set on a specific move after the right-back turned down an attractive contract offer from Palace.
“Nathaniel must have ideas where he is going to go because he has had a very good financial contract put on the table here,” he added.
“To turn that down he must have one or two options.”
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