Nathaniel Clyne set to stay at Liverpool and could start season opener against West Ham

Action | Clyne takes on Manchester City's Jason Denayer during their International Champions Cup match in New Jersey
Getty Images
David Lynch6 August 2018

Nathaniel Clyne is in line to stay at Liverpool beyond the end of the transfer window after earning a place in Jurgen Klopp's plans during pre-season.

The defender made just five appearances for the Reds last term as he battled with a back injury, and saw Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez impress in his stead as a top-four Premier League finish and a place in the Champions League were secured.

With just two years remaining on the contract he signed following a move from Southampton in the summer of 2015, it was thought Clyne could look for a move away in search of guaranteed game time in 2018-19.

However, Klopp has been impressed with the 27-year-old's fitness and attitude during preparations for the new campaign, and the club's coaching staff believe he is now back to his pre-injury best.

Crucially, the player has also yet to offer any suggestion that he is keen to depart Anfield this summer.

Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

Klopp's desire to use Gomez more frequently at centre-back - a position where he is considered a potential long-term partner to Virgil van Dijk - leaves Clyne to fight it out with Alexander-Arnold for a starting berth at right-back this term.

As such, only a significant offer could test Liverpool's resolve over the Englishman before Thursday's transfer deadline, with Klopp and the club's sporting director Michael Edwards both minded to resist any bids.

Clyne is in firm contention to start when West Ham visit Anfield on for Liverpool's Premier League opener on Sunday, with Alexander-Arnold having only recently returned from his post-World Cup break.

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