Freedman urges Clyne to stay

Nathaniel Clyne: Full-back has been urged to stay at Crystal Palace by manager Dougie Freedman

Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman is hoping he can persuade Nathaniel Clyne to stay at Selhurst Park and sign a new contract.

Clyne's current deal expires at the end of the season and he has yet to reach an agreement over an extension with the Championship club.

He has been linked with a move to Manchester United after impressing against the Premier League champions in the Carling Cup last month, but Freedman feels a transfer may not be the best option for the right-back.

Freedman told the Croydon Guardian: "Nathaniel has been linked with lots of clubs because that is what agents do best.

Rights from wrongs

"I know what happens if you move too early because I've been there and done it, your career can stall.

"I know he should stay and deep down Nathaniel knows he should stay but when certain representatives decide it is best for a 19-year-old to move away it is difficult.

"We gave him a chance in life, taught him the rights from wrongs and he is still learning the game.

"Nathaniel has gone from an OK player to one who is in the England U21s and playing some of his best stuff. I would like to think that if he stayed he would keep on improving."