MANCHESTER UNITED have approached Lens over an £8million swoop for Jonathan Clauss but face competition from Chelsea, according to reports.
The Blues have been long-term admirers of the Lens right-back and scouted him throughout the 2021-22 season.
Man Utd have approached Lens over a move for France right-back Jonathan Clauss but face competition from Chelsea for the £8m-rated star
However, United have roared into pole position in the race to sign Clauss, 29, as Erik ten Hag looks to fix a key problem area.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – a £50m buy in 2019 – looks set to be sold this summer after struggling mightily last term, with Diogo Dalot the only other senior right-back.
Ten Hag has already signed Tyrrell Malacia to bolster his left-side of defence and hopes Clauss can plug a gaping hole on the right.
United have already approached Ligue 1 side Lens over an £8m swoop, according to the Evening Standard.
However, the Red Devils must battle Chelsea for Clauss’ signature.
The Blues have been keen on the wing-back for a while and see him as cover for Reece James.
Thomas Tuchel is also desperate to find a replacement for Cesar Azpilicueta with Barcelona on the brink of signing the versatile defender.
Azpilicueta is keen to head back to Spain with Barca itching to complete the deal.
But the LaLiga giants are yet to meet Chelsea’s £7m valuation, which will give Ten Hag hope of stealing a march on their rivals.
United have also got their eye on a shock move for Southampton’s former Tottenham defender Kyle Walker-Peters after a stunning 2021-22 campaign saw him earn his debut England cap.
But Clauss remains a top target, with the experienced defender earning his first four France caps earlier this year after helping Lens’ rise up the leagues.
Clauss played 37 times in Ligue 1 last season as Lens finished a superb seventh.
The right-back scored five times and laid on 11 assists.
Marseille and Atletico Madrid are also believed to be keen on the Frenchman.
