Liverpool interest in Nathaniel Clyne sees Southampton prepare bumper new deal for England right-back Southampton's summer decision to sell Calum Chambers to Arsenal was based largely on their belief that Clyne is the superior full-back and they regard him as a fundamental part of their long-term plans. His contract, though, will expire in the summer of 2016 and, while the situation is far from urgent, they would like it resolved as quickly as possible. Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in bringing Clyne to Manchester United back in 2012 but he instead opted for the prospect of regular first-team football at Southampton. His progress has continued to impress Manchester United scouts although the clearest interest is expected from Liverpool. Brendan Rodgers spent almost £50 million in bringing three Southampton players - Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert - to Anfield this summer and the right-back position will be among his transfer priorities next year. Glen Johnson is competing with Clyne for the England right-back position but is expected to leave Liverpool at the end of the season when his contract expires. Johnson's £110,000-a-week salary makes him one of Liverpool's highest earners and the club will not offer the 30-year-old a new deal on those terms. Clyne is the 11th different player that Hodgson has used in the right-back position in his 37 games as manager. Southampton are also keen to get Jay Rodriguez on a longer-term contract and know that their success will provoke interest both in January and next summer in their key players. They have no financial need to sell any of their squad and have already begun drawing up a list of their own transfer targets for 2015.