Manchester United rekindle interest in signing Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne

Manchester United are considering a move to sign Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne, according to ESPN.

The 24-year-old was on Louis van Gaal's radar as he was set to make a switch to Old Trafford. However, the Dutchman earlier ended his side's interest in signing the right-back as he was keen on landing free agent Dani Alves.

The Brazilian international ended speculation surrounding his future, and signed a new two-year deal at Barcelona. With Alves committing his future to the treble winners, United have turned their attention to Clyne.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager has made signing a right-back a priority in the summer transfer window. After missing out on Alves, Van Gaal is making a list of players to fill that position.

Clyne has been impressive for Ronald Koeman's side during the 2014/15 season and has been attracting interest from United's arch rivals. The Southampton star is also a target for Liverpool, who have already seen a £10m ($15.5m) bid turned down by the South Coast club.

The Reds are still in the race to sign him as a replacement for Glen Johnson, who will leave Anfield on a free transfer. The 20-time English champions' renewed interest in Clyne will be a massive blow to the Merseyside club.

Clyne has one year left on his contract and has already turned down a chance to sign a new deal. Southampton could be forced to sell him this summer rather than letting him leave for nothing next year.

According to the Portuguese publication O Jogo, Southampton have already identified Sporting right-back Cedric Soares as a replacement for Clyne, if he decides to leave St Mary's Stadium.

Meanwhile, Edwin van der Sar has admitted that he is delighted to come back to Old Trafford as he will be the keeper when United legends take on Bayern Munich legends for the charity match.

"Old Trafford is just a special place to play football and for me it's the best ground in the world. I think that because of the crowd and the huge respect they have for players, not only United players, but former players too," Van der Sar told United's official website.