Manchester United are said to be in ‘advanced talks’ with Lens defender Jonathan Clauss.
During the 2021-22 season, the 29-year-old was in excellent form for his French club, appearing on 37 occasions in Ligue 1 and contributing five goals and 11 assists.
Clauss’ future has recently been the subject of much speculation, with Marseille and Chelsea both reportedly interested in signing him during the summer transfer window.
According to a recent 90min report, Marseille has moved to the front of the queue for Clauss, who is expected to be available for around €10 million (£8.5 million) in the current market.
However, according to Pedro Almeida, a Portuguese transfer expert, Manchester United is now closing in on a deal for the France international.
Clauss made his international debut for France in March, and he has since played four times for the Blues, with the defender hoping to make the squad for the 2022 World Cup.
Lens are not in a strong position to demand a high transfer fee for the former Strasbourg youngster with only a year left on his contract.
Clauss primarily played as a wing-back for his French club during the 2021-22 season, and his versatility is thought to make him an appealing proposition for Manchester United.
The 20-time English champions have already strengthened their full-back options this summer with the signing of Feyenoord international Tyrell Malacia.
Diogo Dalot was Manchester United’s first-choice right-back in the second half of last season and is expected to stay at Old Trafford this summer.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, on the other hand, is thought to be surplus to requirements at the club, while Brandon Williams and Alex Telles have also been strongly linked with departures.
Ethan Laird is currently competing for a first-team spot for Erik ten Hag next season, and is currently on the club’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.
However, it is expected that Laird will be loaned out again next season, while the departures of Wan-Bissaka and Williams would leave Manchester United short of options at right-back.
The arrival of Lisandro Martinez, who is expected to compete with Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof for a starting spot during the 2022-23 season, has also improved the 20-time English champions’ center-back options.
Man United have made three signings this summer, bringing in Malacia, Christian Eriksen, and Martinez, while negotiations with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong continue.