Liverpool are further strengthening their squad by signing defender Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton.

Clyne, the Reds' sixth sign-up this summer, signed a five-year, £12.5-million contract with the club after getting their first bid of £10 million rejected, BBC Sports reported.

"I'm delighted, and it's a dream move for me to come here and play for such a big club with all of its history. I can't wait to get started. As soon as Liverpool showed their interest in me, I was happy and just wanted the deal to go through," the 24-year-old was quoted on the club's website as saying.

Clyne transferred from Crystal Palace to Southampton in 2012 and had 94 Premier League appearances for the club in the last three seasons.

In his statement on the website, Clyne also said: "The gaffer has shown a lot of interest in me, and this is a place where I can improve as a player. I think. It's definitely a good opportunity to come here and try to fulfill my potential."

"I've played at Anfield before and know what the atmosphere is all about. It's a great atmosphere and will make me rise to the challenge. I'm really looking forward to it and hopefully, it can push me on to putting on good performances," Clyne added.

The defender joins midfielder James Milner, forward Danny Ings, goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, defender Joe Gomez and forward Roberto Firmino as Liverpool's new acquisitions this summer.

According to The Guardian, Clyne's arrival might see the end of right back Javier Manquillo's stint with Liverpool as an on-loan player from Atlético Madrid.

Manquillo joined the Reds last summer in a two-season loan but hardly saw playing time with only 19 appearances for the club, three this year and none of them in the Premier League, according to the report.