Marseille have entered talks with RC Lens over a deal for right-back Jonathan Clauss, with the Ligue 1 outfit setting their asking price amid rival interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who note that the Phocaeans have now been in direct talks with the Stade Bollaert-Delelis hierarchy over the 29-year-old since Saturday morning. OM are keen to overtake all the other clubs following the French international with four selections this summer.
Clauss has fallen on the radar in the south of France, north London and Madrid, with Atletico also monitoring developments. Such is the level of interest across Europe that Lens expect to receive at least €20m (£17m) if their 2020 signing leaves Pas-de-Calais.
Marseille intend to preempt Tottenham’s interest in Clauss transfer from Lens
Marseille are yet to submit a formal offer during their negotiations with Lens for Clauss to move to Stade Velodrome. But his name has become a focal point of the club since Igor Tudor took over as manager from Jorge Sampaoli after his sudden and surprise exit.
Many of the goals Sampaoli had wanted to sign no longer feature in OM’s plans, but Clauss remained a priority target. He’s out of contract a year from now and had a strong run last term with nine assists and four goals in 36 Ligue 1 appearances, of which he started 35.
Tottenham remain in contention to sign Clauss from Lens, as Marseille are now advancing their interest in the Strasbourg product. While Tudor is keen to sign the full-back, Les Phocéens and Les Sang et Or are currently not close to agreeing on the terms of a possible change.
There is a long way to go for Marseille to get ahead of rival interest from Tottenham and Atletico Madrid in Clauss. But the Ligue 1 finalist has the firm intention of securing his transfer.
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