Marseille have begun discussions with RC Lens over a deal for right-back Jonathan Clauss, with the Ligue 1 side setting their asking price amid rival interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who note Les Phoceens are now in direct talks with the Stade Bollaert-Delelis hierarchy over the 29-year-old as of Saturday morning. OM are keen to overtake all other clubs who are tracking the four-cap France international this summer.
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Clauss has fallen on radars in southern France, north London and Madrid with Atletico also monitoring developments. The degree of interest being shown from around Europe is such that Lens expect to receive at least €20m (£17m) if their 2020 signing leaves Pas-de-Calais.
Marseille intent on edging Tottenham interest for Clauss transfer from Lens
Marseille are yet to submit a formal offer during their negotiations with Lens for Clauss to move to the Stade Velodrome. But his name has become a prime point of focus at the club since Igor Tudor succeeded Jorge Sampaoli at the helm following his sudden, surprise exit.
Many targets Sampaoli had wanted to sign no longer feature in OM’s plans, but Clauss has remained a priority goal. He is out of contract in a years’ time and enjoyed a strong season last term with nine assists and four goals from 36 Ligue 1 matches, of which he started 35.
Tottenham remain in the running to sign Clauss from Lens, as Marseille now advance their interest in the Strasbourg product. While Tudor is keen to sign the full-back, Les Phoceens and Les Sang et Or are not currently close to agreeing on the terms of any possible switch.
There is a long way to go for Marseille to edge rival interest from Tottenham and Atletico Madrid for Clauss. But there is firm intent from the Ligue 1 runners-up to secure his move.
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