Dougie Freedman has told Nathaniel Clyne he would be better off putting pen to paper on a new deal at Crystal Palace than moving elsewhere at this stage of his career.

Clyne is stalling over signing a new contract and was this week linked with a January move to Manchester United.

But manager Freedman has dismissed the talk as a case of his agent trying to engineer a move away from Selhurst Park and insisted the player would be better served by staying put.

“Nathaniel has been linked with lots of clubs because that is what agents do best,” he said.

“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 I think 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 okay 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.”