Roland Cutinho
Olympique de Marseille set to pip Manchester United to Jonathan Clauss
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Manchester United target Jonathan Clauss is set to sign for Marseille this summer. Just recently it was reported that the Red Devils were leading the race to sign the French right-back, however, the latest updates regarding the player make it look otherwise.
Lens have accepted their fellow Ligue one rivals, Marseille’s second bid for the 29-year-old. The Red Devils have been caught completely off guard as the French giants have grabbed a deal for just £8 million.
Chelsea, Manchester United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers were linked with a move for the star defender. However, it has been surprising to know that due to no competing bids from these clubs, the player will be allowed to leave for a cheaper price.
Lens might have expected to provoke a bidding war but now have to accept the offer as they need to make signings of their own. Clauss rose to stardom after his fine performances for the mid-table French club. The right-back put in a stellar show as he scored five goals and 11 assists which are impressive numbers for a defender.
Surprisingly, the Frenchmen tasted first-flight football only after he moved to Lens in 2018. The 29-year-old was given his chance to play for the national team and in the process, he became the oldest player to make their debut for the country in over 17 years.
Manchester United would have relished the opportunity to sign a right-back to compete with Diogo Dalot. However, it looks as if they have missed the chance again.
Erik Ten Hag hosts a rich source of players on the left side of the defence. Luke Shaw has been an attacking threat and Alex Telles’s killer deliveries have been useful. Clauss’s potential arrival would have added depth to the full-back roster.
Diogo Dalot has been impressive in the preseason games and his assists for Anthony Martial’s goal against Crystal Palace did show his quality. However, Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future is uncertain and he could be open to leaving the club.
Academy graduate Ethan Laird would still be an option for the Red Devils as he has room for improvement. But Erik ten Hag would be open to the idea of signing a new right-back if an opportunity comes close.
Denzel Dumfries would be another option as he has played at Ajax before and his Dutch connection would make things easier for the player. However, Inter Milan’s valuation for the right-back has been a major stumbling block.
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It remains to be seen whether Manchester United attempts to sign a new right-back or prefers to stick with the ones they currently possess.
