Manchester United ‘join Chelsea in the race to sign £8m-rated Lens wing-back Jonathan Clauss’ after making an approach for the France star… but deal ‘depends on Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Cesar Azpilicueta leaving this summer’
- Chelsea and United are both trying to strengthen their defences this summer
- Versatile Jonathan Clauss is valued at around £8million by French side Lens
- Blues are set to lose Cesar Azpilicueta to Barcelona and need a replacementÂ
- United are looking to offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has failed to performÂ
- Clauss has four caps for France and is in the final year of his contract at LensÂ
Chelsea are reportedly set to enter a transfer tug-of-war with Manchester United over Lens defender Jonathan Clauss.
The defender caught the eye of the Blues last year and has been scouted by the club ever since, however, the Red Devils have now made an approach for the £8milllion-rated star, according to the Evening Standard.
Both sides are in the market for a new wide-defender with Chelsea set to lose the experienced Cesar Azpilicueta and Manchester United’s new boss Erik ten Hag keen to offload £50m man Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Jonathan Clauss is valued at £8million by Lens despite being in the last year of his contract
Azpilicueta looks set to join Barcelona after agreeing personal terms, however the Catalan side are yet to match Chelsea’s £7m asking price.
The Spaniard has enjoyed a successful stint with the Blues, winning everything on offer since his move from Marsielle in 2012.Â
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have been credited with interest in re-signing Wan-Bissaka on loan from United, but a move is yet to materialise.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (left) and Cesar Azpilicueta (right) could be on the move this summer
These potential exits have led to the clubs’ interest in Clauss, who has enjoyed a brilliant two years while climbing up the French leagues and has four caps for France since the turn of the year.
Chelsea have done their research on the player and will know a transfer will not break the bank because he is in the final year of his contract.
Last season Clauss played 37 times in Ligue 1, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists for his team-mates, displaying his attacking talents.
Erik ten Hag (left) and Thomas Tuchel (right) are both said to be interested in a deal for Clauss
However, United have reportedly stolen a march on their Premier League rivals – plus Marseille and Atletico Madrid – for the versatile 29-year-old’s signature.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have already been busy in the transfer market, having completed the signing of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City for £50m. They are also close to sealing a £33m transfer for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
United boss Ten Hag has added Tyrell Malacia to his ranks this summer, while the ongoing saga surrounding Frenkie de Jong’s move from Barcelona continues.
