Clyne satisfied with choosing Saints

Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne said he has no regrets about turning down Newcastle during the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old was linked with other clubs after coming through Crystal Palace’s youth team, including Manchester United, Everton and Ajax.

The Englishman opted to join the newly-promoted Saints and is looking to impress this weekend as he faces one of the teams that he turned down.

“I was close (to going to Newcastle),” Clyne told Sky Sports News.

“They are a good a side but I chose Southampton because it was closer to where I live.

“It’s where I preferred to come. I didn’t get a chance to speak to Alan Pardew.

“Southampton just appealed to me more. They’ve got good facilities here, the way they play football has been good and I was promised first-choice football.

“I thought I was going to get more game time, which I have been getting, so I am pleased. I have no regrets about coming here. I have been playing a lot of games for the club and that’s what I like.

“I didn’t really want to be on the bench. I just wanted to be playing, getting game time and improving as a player.”

Southampton will host Newcastle on Sunday.