Liverpool Transfer News: Nathaniel Clyne Bid Made, Christian Benteke Rumours

Liverpool are close to signing Nathaniel Clyne of Southampton, while the Reds continue to be linked with a move for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

According to TalkSport, Liverpool and Southampton have reached an agreement over the transfer of Clyne, who "will now travel to Merseyside to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical."

Per Chris McKenna of the Daily Star, the deal is thought to be worth £12.5 million, after Liverpool saw a £9 million bid rejected. The Saints signed defender Cedric Soares earlier this summer, meaning they are more willing to let their rising star go.

Clyne's contract with the Saints expires next summer. The 24-year-old spoke in January on his future, per Sky Sports: "We will wait until April. I'm still negotiating my contract with my agent and the club."

However, a new deal is yet to materialise, so a move appears to be on the cards with Southampton undoubtedly keen to avoid losing Clyne on a free transfer.

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

The defender has established himself as one of the best young players in the Premier League in recent years, and helped Southampton to the second-best defensive record in the league last year, conceding just one more goal than Chelsea.

Clyne would be a quality signing for Liverpool, both defensively and offensively.

The player is improving with age in his defensive role, winning 48 per cent of his duels last season, and reducing the number of errors he makes year on year, per Squawka. 

WhoScored.com also note Clyne stands out when it comes to the number of tackles made:

The Telegraph's Henry Winter is highly impressed with the youngster:

On the attacking side, Clyne created 22 chances last season, according to Squawka. The only Liverpool defender to create more was Alberto Moreno with 33.

Further, his pace and willingness to get forward will help give Liverpool width, and allow him to fit into the 3-4-2-1 system Rodgers has occasionally opted for.

Clyne has a long future ahead of him, and has all the attributes to thrive at Anfield and prove a more successful acquisition than Liverpool's other purchases from Southampton.

Per the earlier report by McKenna, Liverpool are also in the hunt for Villa hitman Benteke.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

The Belgian international scored 15 goals in all competitions last season.

A serious Achilles injury saw the 24-year-old struggle in the early part of the campaign, but enjoyed a spectacular revival of form under Tim Sherwood in the latter stages of the season, as Opta Joe notes:

Benteke is a powerful presence up front and crucially for Liverpool, is a more clinical finisher than the likes of Mario Balotelli.

If Sturridge can stay fit and with the addition of Danny Ings, the Reds' forward line would be much-improved on last year if they can secure Benteke's signature.

As McKenna notes, the £32.5 million buyout clause could prove a stumbling block for the move, however.

Nevertheless, Benteke is a proven Premier League goalscorer, and should Raheem Sterling depart, Liverpool will have plenty of funds to spare.

Both the Belgian striker and Clyne would represent excellent business and continue Liverpool's strong start to the summer transfer window.