Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Nathaniel Clyne and Lucas Digne Rumours

Liverpool's pursuit of Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne has received a major boost after news emerged that the England international's contract negotiations have "stalled," according to ESPN FC's sources. 

The aforementioned article suggests Saints boss Ronald Koeman will only let Clyne leave when a direct replacement is secured. Tony Barrett of the Times confirmed the door may finally be open for Clyne to move on:

ESPN FC noted "it seems increasingly likely" Clyne has run out in a Southampton shirt for the last time. The 24-year-old defender enjoyed his best Premier League season to date during 2014-15, providing ambitious and energetic play from the right-back position. He is sturdy on the ball and willing to patrol the flank without letting the defensive line become exposed.

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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers continued to switch between three and four at the back during the recently concluded campaign. Clyne could easily transition into a slightly more advanced role ahead of three centre-backs, but he is naturally suited to overlapping a winger from a traditional four-man defence. 

Clyne is also said to be a target for Manchester United, but ESPN FC reports Liverpool are in "pole position." Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal has Antonio Valencia, Rafael, Paddy McNair and others to choose from in the right-back position. On the other hand, Liverpoo recently waved goodbye to free agent Glen Johnson, and Javier Manquillo failed to impress in the first half of his two-year loan spell from Atletico Madrid.

It seems Rodgers is also looking to improve his options on the opposite side of defence, with the Liverpool Echo's Joe Rimmer suggesting "advanced negotiations" are ongoing with Paris Saint-Germain for the transfer of left-back Lucas Digne.

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Rimmer believes Italian side Roma are also keen on the Frenchman and that Liverpool must "move quickly" to capture his signature. As highlighted with the drawn-out and eventual no-go transfers of Yevhen Konoplyanka and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool aren't exactly renowned for doing business quickly.

Digne made 15 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG last season, per Soccerway, playing a bit-part role along the side's route to securing a third successive title. He is a confident, speedy dribbler who could be pushed ahead of the left-back spot with a little tweaking by Rodgers.

The 21-year-old may initially struggle to cope with the physicality of the Premier League, but he is the type of project Rodgers is happy to undertake. Alberto Moreno, who joined Liverpool last summer, isn't likely to welcome competition for his place, though.

Many questions will be asked of the manager this summer, as discussed by B/R UK's Graham Ruthven:

Heading to a club of Liverpool's stature is a natural step for Clyne, who deserves to be rewarded for his excellent campaign. Having already signed James Milner and Danny Ings, Rodgers' emphasis appears to be on cramming his squad with proven and improving talent.

Digne falls into the latter category at the moment. He could turn out to be a shrewd piece of business but needs playing time to significantly step his game up. Rodgers is a proven supporter of younger stars and could provide Digne with all the responsibility he needs.