Southampton are paving the way for the exit of Nathaniel Clyne after fresh contract negotiations with the player and his advisers stalled, sources have told ESPN FC.
Saints manager Ronald Koeman made it clear in the final weeks of the last Premier League season that he would not allow the debate over Clyne's future to rumble on all summer, with a deadline imposed on the England full-back to sign a new deal with the south coast club.
However, that deadline was apparently removed from negotiations after Clyne changed his agent and Saints' executive director Les Reed gave indications that he was involved in positive discussions to keep the player.
However, more than a month has now passed since those updates and, with Clyne yet to extend a contract that is due to expire in the summer of 2016, it seems increasingly likely that he has played his last game for the club.
It was made clear to Clyne and his advisers that he would not be allowed to leave this summer until a replacement full-back had been signed and confirmation that Sporting Lisbon right back Cedric Soares has agreed to join Southampton suggests he may yet leave.
ESPN FC sources confirmed last month that Manchester United had renewed their interest in Clyne, but Liverpool are reported to be the club in pole position to secure his services as the Anfield club look to replace the departed Glen Johnson.