Nathaniel Clyne to train with Crystal Palace as free agent defender seeks a new club after Liverpool release

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has opened the door for free agent Nathaniel Clyne to make a return to Selhurst Park.

The 29-year-old started his career with the Eagles before he earned a move to Southampton in 2012.

Clyne, who has played 14 times for England, was signed by Liverpool three years later, but – after he was released by the Premier League champions – he is set to train with Palace from Monday.

‘Nathaniel Clyne hasn’t trained with us, I haven’t seen him,’ Hodgson stated ahead of Palace’s trip to Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.

‘I believe he was coming to be tested today so he could take part in some training with us over next couple of weeks where he is interested to improve his fitness and show us – and not only us, perhaps other clubs too – that he is fit and ready to go again.

‘We are happy to welcome him back into the fold and give him that opportunity.’

Hodgson was quick to point out while the ex-Palace defender could return on a permanent basis, it will depend on the fitness of summer signing Nathan Ferguson, who is still recovering from a knee injury sustained at West Brom last season.

He added: ‘A lot hinges on Nathan Ferguson, the player we have actually brought in to be a right back at the club and to compete for a place there.

‘A lot will depend on how his injury situation pans out over the next few weeks, but it will be very nice to see where Nathaniel is and if there is an opportunity for us to offer him something or if he is interested in us offering him something, then him joining us.’