Ronald Koeman admits Nathaniel Clyne is REPLACEABLE as Man Utd and Chelsea plot move

SOUTHAMPTON boss Ronald Koeman says he hopes Nathaniel Clyne resists interest from Chelsea and Manchester United to stay at St Mary's but that he won't be as difficult to replace as Luke Shaw.

Nathaniel Clyne Player Profile

Chelsea and United have been linked with a £15m move for Clyne in the summer, after the player rejected fresh terms with the Saints last week.

And while talks are ongoing - with fresh negotiations due to take place later this week - Koeman is not not too worried about seeing the player depart.

He said: “The contact is between Les Reed [Southampton’s executive director] and the agent and Clyne, but I think after Wednesday it’s a good time to talk about that – of course, we'd like to know what his decision is about the future.

Nathaniel ClyneGETTY

Nathaniel Clyne could leave Southampton

It’s not I think the most difficult position. Normally the left-back position is more difficult to find good players.

Ronald Koeman

“I hope [he will stay], but I can understand if there is any interest from other clubs. We don’t have really a serious bid.

"It’s not I think the most difficult position. Normally the left-back position is more difficult to find good players.

"But, even the right full-back position, there are not a lot who have played on the level as Clyne has been doing this season.”

Shaw left Southampton for United in a £30m deal in the summer, but the Saints moved quickly to land Ryan Bertrand from Chelsea - first on loan and then on a permanent deal in January.

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