Southampton defender, wanted by Man United, credits his boss for his international emergence

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Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne may be one of Louis van Gaal’s transfer targets, but the full-back has credited his current manager as the reason for his inclusion in the international fold, the Sun reports.

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The 23-year-old started both the European Championship qualifier against Lithuania, and the friendly in Italy, and believes that Ronald Koeman’s arrival coincided with his development into an England player.

“Ronald has had a big impact on me. He’s brought the confidence out in me to really kick on.

“He has got me going forward much more, making assists and scoring goals. He has taken the shackles off,” he explained.

The two appearances in the recent international break doubled his total number of caps, and while still inexperienced with the Three Lions, the former Crystal Palace full-back is making plans for the next decade.

“I feel like the shirt is mine to lose. Hopefully if I keep performing well for Southampton I’ll keep my place. I want to be England’s right-back for the next ten years,” he added.

His praise for his current boss is perhaps a blow to Manchester United. The Metro reported this week that the club would be willing to offload Javier Hernandez, and still pay £15m for Clyne at the end of the season, as van Gaal attempts to resolve the problematic defence that has plagued much of their season.

While Clyne offered no response to the rumours, he did confirm that he wants to be playing in Europe’s premier club competition. However, he hopes to be doing so at St Mary’s.

“It would be great if a club like Southampton could make the Champions League.

“My aim in football is to be winning trophies and playing in the Champions League,” he said.

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