Man Utd target 'tempted' by INEOS project

Cameron Smith

• 12 Feb 2024 08:38 GMT
• 3 min read

Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise is reportedly “tempted” by interest from Manchester United as the Red Devils continue their pursuit of the France U21 star.

Olise has been heavily linked with a move away this summer, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea also keen on landing him in 2024.

FootballTransfers have previously reported that he favours a move to Arsenal over Man Utd, although Nico Williams and Pedro Neto are also under consideration by Mikel Arteta.

As for Man Utd, they signed Antony for a whopping €95 million in 2022, but the Brazilian hasn’t lived up to expectations and purchasing Olise as his replacement is one of their transfer priorities this summer.

Furthermore, Man Utd also want to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton as they look to ensure the first transfer window of the INEOS era is a success.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has now purchased his 25% minority stake at Old Trafford and is in charge of all footballing operations at the club, including transfer business.

Michael Olise to join Man Utd?

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Olise could be set to join Man Utd this summer.

He told GiveMeSport: “Even though Olise signed a new contract in the aftermath of Chelsea failing to trigger his complicated release clause, there is absolutely no doubt that he is a potential 2024 departure.

“Manchester United's old regime, before INEOS, really like Olise and he is tempted by the prospect of a move to Old Trafford as well.

“All indications are that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will endorse that move because, as part of their due diligence when coming into the football club, they were aware of any historical transfer plans that were for January - even though nothing materialised - and also any window planning for the summer.

“There is continuity between Manchester United's current recruitment team and anything INEOS do. They like a profile like Olise, so he can be termed a concrete target ahead of the summer.”

Olise has three-and-a-half years left on his current contract at Crystal Palace, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €35m.