Manchester United have opened talks with Crystal Palace for fullback Nathaniel Clyne.

The Manchester Evening News says United have been negotiating with the Championship side over the last 72 hours in a bid to tie up a £3m deal.

But talks have stalled over when Clyne - who was so impressive in Palace's shock Carling Cup quarter-final win over United in November - would complete a move to Old Trafford.

Palace manager, Dougie Freedman, does not want to lose his prize asset before the end of the season - particularly with his team on the verge of reaching a Wembley final.

But with the 20-year-old out of contract in the summer, he has reluctantly accepted that he won't be able to keep hold of the highly-rated right back.