Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Lens defender Jonathan Clauss this summer.
For a large part of his career, the 29-year-old has not been on the radar of many top-flight clubs across Europe, the wide player playing second tier football in Germany as recently as 2019-20.
However, Clauss's career has progressed rapidly since making his first Ligue 1 appearance at the age of 28, starring as Lens became surprise contenders for the European places.
In his two years at Lens, Clauss has arguably been the best right wing-back in the division, contributing eight goals and 17 assists from that role.
International recognition has followed with France, Clauss earning four caps since being provided with his France debut in March of this year.
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Although Lens would naturally like to retain the services of their key player, just one year remains on his contract and the player himself will almost certainly want to take on a new challenge.
According to transfer expert Ekrem Konur, Chelsea and Atletico are both contemplating whether to launch a bid for the player over the coming weeks.
Despite Clauss due to turn 30 years of age in September, there is a feeling that his addition this summer would represent value for money.
La Voix du Nord claims that Lens are willing to do business for a fee in the region of £8.6m, that figure naturally attracting interest from elsewhere.
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From Chelsea's perspective, Reece James is regarded as first choice under head coach Thomas Tuchel, but doubts remain over the future of Cesar Azpilicueta.
Even if the Spaniard does not join Barcelona, both players are also options on the right-hand side of a back three, potentially freeing up space for Clauss to earn regular game time.
As far as Atletico are concerned, Kieran Trippier, who is no longer at the club, and Marcos Llorente were used at right-back and right wing-back during 2022-23.
While Sime Vrsaljko is another option for Diego Simeone, the Croatia international will not be regarded as first choice in the long term.
Clauss is also capable of playing as a right winger, something which may appeal to Tuchel and Simeone for certain fixtures.
Darren Plant
