Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner Rumours

Nathaniel Clyne is reportedly Liverpool's top transfer target to fill the void at right-back. The young Southampton star has emerged as one of the best players at his position in the Premier League.

Following the exits of Calum Chambers and Luke Shaw last summer, Clyne needed to shore up the edges of the Saints defence. His stellar performances not only achieved that, but they also earned him international recognition with England.

Now, ESPN FC writer David Usher has dubbed the 24-year-old the Merseyside club's "number one full back target." Usher has also identified alternatives in case Liverpool are loath to meet Clyne's asking price:

"He'd improve the side and would be a good acquisition even at the reported £15million asking price. Newcastle's Daryl Janmaat may be a fall back option should Clyne not happen, while Barcelona's Martin Montoya seems to be linked with the Reds every transfer window."

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That asking price could yet prove to be an issue. It's certainly higher than the initial offer put forward by the Anfield club, according to the Telegraph's Chris Bascombe: "Liverpool have made initial £10 million bid and will continue to pursue the right-back."

While £15 million is pricey for a full-back, Clyne is worth it for a club with major problems at the position. Central defenders Mamadou Sakho, Dejan Lovren and Kolo Toure have all been liabilities. But things are hardly any better at full-back.

Alberto Moreno has only been decent on the left side during his first season in England's top flight. But major problems persist on the right.

Javier Manquillo has shown little, while Jon Flanagan has been on the shelf. The less said about declining veteran Glen Johnson the better.

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Clyne is the ideal solution to these woes. He's got the engine, power, pace and technical attributes to suit the demands manager Brendan Rodgers places on full-backs.

He needs players at the edge of his defence to make quick transitions into attack and provide width while a legion of playmakers create things in the middle. Clyne is certainly used to an expansive game, having been a tireless workhorse at Southampton.

Landing a player of Clyne's talent and potential would rate as something of a fillip for a club that really needs to impress in the transfer market this summer.

Arsenal Pull out of James Milner Race

Liverpool's seemingly imminent move for James Milner is another step closer to completion after Arsenal apparently withdrew interest. The Gunners won't meet the Manchester City utility midfielder's £150,000-per-week wage demands, according to London Evening Standard reporter James Olley.

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He states that's the contract the Reds have put in front of the 29-year-old England international. But it's not one Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger will move to match.

That's good news for Rodgers' squad. His midfield needs Milner's industry and underrated craft. Hardly a fashionable player, Milner nonetheless deserves credit for what he offers technically and in forward areas.

In limited action with City, Milner still managed five goals and seven assists in the Premier League this season, per WhoScored.com. His tireless running, quick passing and powerful shot not only help link play together but can also give Liverpool an added goal threat from the middle to complement the efforts of young maestro Philippe Coutinho.

To some, Milner may not be a marquee signing. But the Telegraph's Thom Gibbs told B/R's Ryan Bailey the "industrious" schemer can fill the void created by Steven Gerrard's departure:

BBC Sport writer Phil McNulty, citing other sources, suggested Milner's arrival at Anfield is a certainty:

Securing a free transfer for an experienced Premier League battler with recent title-winning experience would be a more than solid start as Liverpool's decision-makers retool their squad for an assault on the top four next season.

It's a process Rodgers and the board have to get right after a hugely underwhelming 2014/15 campaign.