OGC Nice sporting director Florian Maurice has told Ligue 1 Plus that he is looking to find a solution in the ongoing standoff with Jonathan Clauss.
The relationship between Clauss and Nice has turned sour. The Frenchman almost moved to Bayer Leverkusen over the summer, however, Nice ultimately priced him out of the move. With just one year remaining on his deal, Clauss was keen on a move to the Bundesliga giants. He was even removed from the first-team set-up momentarily, with the France international unsettled.
He was reintegrated, however, a couple of months later, he has seemingly still not come to terms with that failed move. Clauss asked to be brought off at half-time during Nice’s 2-1 win over Stade Rennais over the weekend. He then missed the midweek win over Lille OSC (2-0). The defender claims to be suffering from a knee injury, but tests earlier this week did not reveal an injury, and there is scepticism at the club, and from Franck Haise, that Clauss is indeed injured. There is a suspicion that Clauss is making himself unavailable in order not to play a certain number of matches, which would then see his expiring contract automatically extended for a further season.
Clauss, as a result of the ongoing tensions, was not involved in the 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, however, Maurice has revealed that he is trying to resolve the situation and has even offered a contract extension to the France international.
“We are looking for solutions. Of course, it is a delicate situation, but it is just as delicate for us as it is for Jonathan,” began Maurice in an interview with Ligue 1 Plus. “We are in talks with his agent in order to find a solution. We have made a contract extension offer within our current financial means. The idea is to bring him back because he is someone that we need, at least until the end of the season, because he is under contract until the end of the season, at least.”
