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Crystal Palace should take advantage of Nathaniel Clyne’s difficult time out of the Liverpool team by bringing their former player and academy graduate back to Selhurst Park to improve the depth of their squad.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Eagles are seemingly on good negotiating terms with the Reds having previously done business with them over the likes of Mamadou Sakho and Christian Benteke, and could potentially take Clyne on an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent deal like they did with the aforementioned French defender.
You may be wondering why Palace should be bringing back Clyne when there is a much greater need for a striker at the club, but the 27-year-old’s potential arrival could see Aaron Wan-Bissaka be tried out further forward – the youngster used to play on the wing at academy level before Roy Hodgson deployed him in defence.
By using the 21-year-old higher up the pitch, the south Londoners would have a natural threat down the flank once again whilst Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend take up their adopted central striking positions.
What would Clyne bring to Palace?
The former Southampton defender would take no time at all to settle in south London, having grown up in the area and come through the academy at Palace. Current second choice right-back Joel Ward has made just one start this season in the league, in a game that Wan-Bissaka was suspended for, so he looks surplus to requirements.
Before losing his place to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Clyne was arguably one of the best full-backs in the league, earning rave reviews with his impressive attacking ability and desire to make an impact at the top end of the pitch, but also staying disciplined in his defensive work.
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If there is even the slightest chance of Palace bringing back their former boy wonder, they should act on it – no other club would be in a stronger bargaining position than them given their past dealings with Liverpool and their relationship with Clyne.