MANCHESTER UNITED are in advanced negotiations to sign Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton as they contiinue to strengthen their squad. United are understood to have increased their offer for the England right-back to £18m.

United last week agreed a fee and terms for Memphis Depay, preventing the Dutch forward from joining potential Champions League rivals Paris Saint-Germain. According to club sources, they also have a deal in place with Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to join them from Borussia Dortmund. All three players are in their early twenties.

The speed at which United have acted to negotiate transfers marks a return to Sir Alex Ferguson’s preference for placing the coming season’s squad in order as rapidly in a transfer window as possible.

Since executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward