A quick look at possible Saints signing from Crystal Palace Nathaniel Clyne as speculation hots up that he could be the next man into St Mary's 

The first glance at Nathaniel Clyne's statistics tell you one thing, despite his age he would not be coming to St Mary's as understudy to Fraser Richardson, but as a genuine replacement, of course he would have to earn that place in the team, but despite Richardson turning 30 in October and Clyne only just 21, our current right back has only started around 100 league games more than the Palace player, indeed in terms of experience its negligible, yes Fraser has played in the Premier but less than half a dozen games for Leeds over 8 years ago isnt surging him to the front of the experience stakes, the truth is Clyne having made his debut so early in his career and playing regularly ever since has only played two seasons worth of games lessthan Richardson despite their nine year age gap.

Clyne made his debut for the Eagles in October 2008 still aged only 17, in that season he went on to make a further 25 appearances for the club, establishing himself in the team, in 2009/10 he played another 29 times also picking up the Football league young player of the year award , but it was to be in 2010/11 he really came to the fore and blossomed, he was firstly the youngest player in the football league that season to play every league game and was also voted rystal Palace's player of the year.

Last season he played 28 times to give a career total appearances in the Championship for Palace 118 starts plus 4 as sub with a solitary goal to his name in addition.

Known as a quiet thoughtful man off the pitch its clear that Clyne makes his decisions based on what will be best for his career rather than his wallet, indeed at the close of the transfer window in February 2010 he was offered a move to Premiership Wolverhampton Wanderers, he turned it down without even speaking to the Midlands club, knowing that he needed to hone his craft a little before going to the top flight and that he was better doing that at Selhurst Park where he would play first team games, than in Wolves reserves.

Last season he progressed from the England U19 side to the U21's where he won 2 caps.

One thing is for sure Clyne is a man who knows that best for his career, if he is to join Saints he will not only need to be convinced about the ambition of the club, but that he will be first choice in the right back role, or at least be given the chance to prove that he is worthy. As mentioned experience wise there is little to choose between Richardson or Clyne, if Saints sign him they might just land themselves one of the crucial signings of their summer.   

Photo: Action Images

NPsaint1 added 11:17 - Jul 18 Even if this deal doesn't happen (and I believe it's being held up by agreeing a fee with Palace), we could always go for Kyle Naughton from Spurs.
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SaintNick added 11:30 - Jul 18 tEchnically he is a free agent so Palace have no say in the matter, we can sign him and then there are two options as he is under 24, either we agree a fee with palace or if we cant it goes to a tribunal
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bstokesaint added 12:56 - Jul 18 If anyone was to come in for Frazer then they would have to pretty useful. Frazer had a great season last year and delivers a decent ball into the box for Lambert. I would like to get Clyne in after everything I have heard about him, but my main concern is still regarding the centre backs. We need more options there.
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SingaporeSaint added 14:49 - Jul 18 I think Clyne is a decent player although I wouldnt get rid of Richardson - who is a strong option and has more prem league potential than Butterfield.. Clyne is also a nice carrot to tempt Zaha as they worked together on the right, are probably mates off the field and Zaha is not going to like Clyne playing in the prem and earning more than him.. May be a way of getting Zaha without breaking the bank.. Saying this I'd rather Miyiachi than Zaha as I am not sold on the gamble that young unproven Champ players can storm the prem, but Zaha would at least be an exciting signing... Agree with above that centre backs and good ones are needed. I'd like 2 as I have doubts on both our current centre backs at the top level, and to some extent we were susceptable to pace in the Champ too, and we have lost both Martin and Jaidi so have no cover.. To be controversial - I think we need more than an understudy to Davis too.. To be frank he was quickly replaced in the prem at Sunderland and the last time we were under serious defensive pressure (and survived) he was replaced at Saints by Richard Wright..

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NPsaint1 added 15:27 - Jul 18 Let's hope we can nail the signing of Clyne, and then tempt Zaha away from Palace as well.
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dirk_doone added 17:23 - Jul 18 2009 Crystal Palace Young Player of the Year 2010 Crystal Palace Young Player of the Year 2010 Football League Young Player of the Year 2011 Crystal Palace Player of the Year October 2011 Championship Player of the Month PFA Team of the Year: 2011–12 Championship Palace fans think he is certain to be the next England right back. What a great signing!
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