Prime West Ham United target Nathaniel Clyne has left Liverpool and is now free to speak to prospective new clubs.
Read: ‘He left for the money’ West Ham captain’s cutting verdict on Liverpool-linked star
An exclusive report from Read Liverpool claimed last month that West Ham had made an approach to sign the Liverpool right-back.
The need for a new right-back has become more acute since with both Pablo Zabaleta and youngster Jeremy Ngakia leaving West Ham.
Ironically Liverpool have been linked with a move to lure Ngakia to Anfield.
West Ham have spoken to Clyne’s agent – report
Read Liverpool claimed West Ham had spoken to Clyne’s agent about a summer move.
That’s after it became increasingly clear the defender no longer had a future at Liverpool under Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp.
Clyne was on £70k-a-week (Spotrac) at Anfield.
Liverpool have now confirmed the prime Hammers target has left the club as of July 1st (Liverpool FC).
That means West Ham are free to negotiate with a player they have reportedly been courting for some time.
With Ryan Fredericks failing to establish himself and both he and young starlet Ben Johnson proving injury-prone, it is understandable West Ham are looking at the former Liverpool man.
Confirmed: Right back leaves Liverpool and is available on a free
Money could also be tight for West Ham in the summer.
The club has made the financial impact of the global health crisis clear through various channels, presumably in a bid to temper expectations.
At 29 Clyne should still have a few good years left in him.
Although he too has suffered with injuries, on a free transfer West Ham may see it as a risk worth taking.
Clyne made 103 appearances for Liverpool over five years, scoring twice, following a transfer from Southampton in July 2015.
Klopp described Clyne as a ‘machine’
He featured 52 times in all competitions during his first season, during which Klopp was appointed to the helm and Liverpool reached the finals of the League Cup and Europa League.
Clyne spent a six month spell on loan at Bournemouth last season. But he was retained by Liverpool for their title-winning campaign this term.
“Klopp used the word ‘machine’ to describe the performances of Clyne and his energy levels,” Liverpool’s official site stated when announcing Clyne’s departure.
“Everyone at Liverpool Football Club would like to thank Nathaniel for his service and wish him all the best in his future career.”
Read: Joe Cole name checks future West Ham great but club are willing to sell
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