Though Manchester United's right-back situation is not awful, it is less than ideal. Erik ten Hag currently has Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and while both have their merits and the former has been deemed a fine rotation option, neither are of the quality that the club want from a starting full-back.
The Manchester Evening News understands that Wan-Bissaka is available for transfer this summer and there are a number of clubs who have registered an interest and United will be looking at replacements in the summer transfer market. But who fits the bill?
That's why United should consider RC Lens Jonathan Clauss, who is valued at £8m by the French club. At 29 years old he would present a more senior option but he would be a great mentor for Dalot who is yet to decide what sort of right-back he wants to be. The only issue is he's said to be on the verge of a switch to Marseille, so like the Tyrell Malacia deal, United would have to swoop in and hijack the transfer.
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Clauss registered five goals and 11 assists last season in Ligue 1 - an incredible attacking return for a Lens side who came 7th. The only thing you must consider is that the Frenchman played as a wing-back, but with how Ten Hag's system operates with one of the full-backs operating as another attacker in possession this shouldn't be a problem.
With the right-winger creating space by isolating his full-back, Clauss would be able to into the space created and influence the game with either a pass across the goal or a shot. This would fully utilise his skillset.
Clauss's performances earned him his first national team call-up and if he continues this form he will likely be part of France's World Cup squad for Qatar. So at £8m he seems like an incredible bargain.
Lisandro Martinez and a potential deal for Frenkie de Jong will present a significant outlay for the club, so if the club can save money while still signing quality players in other areas they should. Clauss fits this description.
He would also go against the trend that many United fans have noticed so far that the club is signing players who are either Dutch or have some affiliation with Ajax, seemingly leaning on Ten Hag's experience and knowledge. Clauss is an excellent player and United should consider the deal seriously if they are looking to upgrade the right-back spot.
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