Liverpool Transfer News: Nathaniel Clyne Eyed, Xherdan Shaqiri Latest

Brendan Rodgers is reportedly set to raid Southampton once again in order to bolster his defence, with Liverpool interested in right-back Nathaniel Clyne.

Clyne's star has been much on the rise in the 2014-15 season, as he has performed terrifically for high-flying Saints and broken his way into Roy Hodgson's England set-up.

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Reds boss Rodgers brought in Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren from Southampton over the summer and is now reportedly eager to sign Clyne also, but the south-coast club are not prepared to let him go, per Jeremy Wilson in The Telegraph: "Southampton will offer Nathaniel Clyne an extended and improved contract in the coming weeks, with Liverpool among the clubs who are closely monitoring his future."

The 23-year-old Clyne's current contract at St Mary's expires in the summer of 2016, hence Southampton's eagerness to get him signed up to a new deal as soon as possible.

Liverpool have had a torrid start to the new Premier League season—they currently sit 11th—and not least at right-back where long-term option Glen Johnson has been poor, per Squawka:

Clyne would seemingly be a far superior alternative to the 30-year-old Johnson, per WhoScored.com, but the Reds will need to improve their performances if they wish to lure him away from Saints, currently second in the Premier League:

Another Liverpool target who is unlikely to make the move to Anfield is Bayern Munich midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri, who has been reported as a potential January signing for Rodgers, per Peter Guy in the Liverpool Echo. 

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However, Shaqiri's agent Ulisse Savini has all but ruled out any new year move away from the Allianz Arena for his client, on Italian radio station Centro Suono Sport (h/t Inside Futbol):

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It is a difficult situation right now. I doubt he can switch in January. He has played in the Champions League and cannot be used there [by another club]. This complicates the agreement, since it would be for a lot of money. And I doubt that Bayern can find a replacement of his level.

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The Swiss international has been displeased with his lack of playing time at Bayern, per Aaron Flanagan in the Mirror, increasing the likelihood that he may be open to a move.

But it seems he will not be making any switch in January, unfortunately for Liverpool. The Reds could certainly do with Shaqiri's dynamism and strength in attack as well as his goalscoring prowess.

Rodgers would be wise to go back in for the 23-year-old next summer if a January move is not an option, as Shaqiri could be a long-term asset at Anfield.