The Rumour Mill – Nathaniel Clyne
Clyne, 21, has been at Crystal Palace all his career since making his debut in October 2008 against Barnsley at 17 years old. It’s not an exagerration to say that Palace have one of the best academies in England, with the club having nurtured the likes of Victor Moses, Wilfried Zaha and John Bostock. But Clyne is arguably the best player the South London side have ever developed.
Watching him play, you’ll be amazed that the lad has only just grown out of his teenage years. He is an incredibly well-rounded player, with the ability to bomb forward and cause opposition defences havoc with his pace. But, most importantly, he is superb defensively, showing years of experience when face to face with his man. It may seem strange to you that I believe Clyne’s most surprising attribute is his defensive abilities, given that he is a right back. However, many modern day full backs’ solitary purpose is to constantly charge down the line. On the other hand, Clyne acts as an asset offensively and defensively.
Yet the defender never seems to stop improving, having recently been included in the Championship team of the year despite only featuring in 29 of the 46 games. Some of you may remember the brilliant performance he put in during Palace’s shock disposal of Manchester United in the League Cup.
Clyne has also represented England at U19 and U21 level, competing with established Premier League players such as Martin Kelly, Steve Caulker and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Nathaniel Clyne would be a quality signing. Palace are currently asking for £5m, but Alan Pardew looks set to take any deal to a tribunal in an attempt to sign the right back for a deflated price. Whatever we get him for, I feel Clyne is more than capable of filling the boots of Danny Simpson.
Current Ability: 3/5
Potential: 4/5
Likelihood of signing: 3.5/5
Transfer value: £5 million (max.)
The Spectator's View 
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