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Man Utd already one step towards signing £60m forward who will replace Antony
Man Utd are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United target Michael Olise is reportedly keen on a move to Old Trafford in a potentially major boost for INEOS’s revamp of Erik ten Hag’s squad. Crystal Palace winger Olise has supposedly been identified as a top target by the Red Devils’ new minority shareholders.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to overhaul United’s first-team squad after concluding that it does not have the quality to match his ambitions. Exciting new signings are expected to arrive in the summer transfer window.
Olise, who has endured a tough season due to injury, is reportedly being eyed by Old Trafford chiefs. Antony’s inconsistency on the right wing since his £86million switch from Ajax in 2022 has prompted INEOS to search for a replacement.
Palace thwarted interest in Olise from Chelsea last summer by convincing the France U21 international to sign a new contract, increasing his release clause to a reported £60m. United are claimed to be leading the race to lure the 22-year-old away from Selhurst Park.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, speaking to United Stand, Olise would be ‘keen’ to join United and is believed to be a boyhood Red Devils fan. However, the Old Trafford hierarchy will face strong competition for Olise’s signature come the summer.
Chelsea could go back in for the former Reading star, while several clubs from abroad are interested in a potential deal. Liverpool could enter the picture if they lose Mohamed Salah to Saudi Arabia.
Clubs may harbour reservations about signing Olise due to his recent injury record. He underwent hamstring surgery last summer which saw him miss the first three months of the season.
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Olise was substituted with a hamstring problem in Palace’s 3-2 victory over Sheffield United on January 30, before he suffered a more serious issue 11 minutes after coming on during a 4-1 defeat against Brighton four days later.
He is expected to remain absent for at least several more weeks and is yet to feature under new head coach Oliver Glasner.
Despite his lack of action, Olise has still scored six times in just 11 appearances this season and has been one of Palace’s best performers when fit. He has also provided three assists in that time. A goal contribution every 83 minutes makes him one of the most potent forwards in Europe.