With Manchester United wrapping up the first three signings of the Erik ten Hag reign, with attention is turning to who will be the next additions to the squad.
One possible addition is Lens defender Jonathan Clauss, who is reported by the Evening Standard to be a target for United.
The 29-year-old is a late bloomer who made his France debut this past year after a stellar campaign in which he scored five goals and provided 11 assists.
Clauss plays mostly as a wing-back for Lens, and would add an attacking aspect to United’s right-back role, while also being able to fill in at right-wing.
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Compared to David Beckham
In addition to his confident attacking play, Clauss is also a dead ball specialist, with WhoScored.com listing direct free-kicks as his top strength.
This was verified by his teammate, Lens winger and former Chelsea prospect Gael Kakuta, who raved abut Clauss earlier this season after a free-kick he curled into the top corner against Lorient.
Kakuta told RMC Sport: “Jonathan, he turned into David Beckham? He activated Beckham mode.
Manager Franck Haise has also praised Clauss’ defensive qualities, telling La Voix du Nord he was pleased with the star’s all round game.
Haise said: “Jo has taken steps and he can still take more. I do not know where he will stop. He has improved on the defensive aspects. He has also progressed (going forward). A player who scores or who scores three, four, five, six goals is also an added value.”
Clauss is France’s secret World Cup weapon after making four appearances for Didier Deschamps side in 2022, and his profile will increase if he secures a move to Old Trafford.
United may have to move quickly
The Evening Standard linked United with a move for as little as £8 million, and understandably this is a bargain other teams are interested in too.
L’Equipe report French side Marseille are keen and have already submitted two offers for Clauss, although have not yet met Lens’ valuation.
Marseille finished second in Ligue 1 last season and have Champions League football to offer, and Clauss would see it as a step up from Lens.
But Manchester United have already hijacked one French club’s transfer this summer, pipping Lyon to a deal for Feyenoord’s Tyrell Malacia.
If United really are serious, the club will have to move quickly to get a deal done for the France international.
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