Man Utd 'frontrunners' for top Ratcliffe transfer target

Suraj Radia

• 2 May 2024 17:30 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are emerging as frontrunners for one of their top targets this summer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe begins his revamp of the playing squad heading into the transfer window.

United are looking to overhaul their squad, primarily through sales but also by signing young talent who can improve the current first team as well as develop and provide value to the club.

One of the players considered a key target is Michael Olise, with the Crystal Palace star understood to have a release clause in his contract, speculated to be between £50 million and £60m.

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ESPN claim that United are ahead of rivals such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal despite Erik ten Hag’s side looking unlikely to be able to provide Olise with Champions League football next season.

Part of United’s positioning as front runners includes the ability to offer Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a makeweight in any deal as a way to maximise their budget going into the summer.

However, talks are not thought to be at an advanced stage and United could still face accelerated interest from Premier League rivals, while Olise himself has not made any decision on his future or whether he will choose to leave Palace.

Which teams are interested in Michael Olise?

Olise was previoulsy a target for Manchester City, while Chelsea activated Olise’s previous £35m release clause last summer only for the 22-year-old to pen a new deal with Palace, which included a higher buyout fee.

Chelsea eventually turned their attention to Cole Palmer and the ex-City star has been a revelation at Stamford Bridge, meaning the Blues may opt against pushing for Olise once again.

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Liverpool could also consider a move for Olise if Mohamed Salah leaves the club this summer, however it is appearing increasingly likely that the Egyptian will remain at Anfield despite interest from Saudi Arabian sides.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have extensively scouted Olise in the past, having had the French youth international as part of their academy as a youngster, but Mikel Arteta’s priority is thought to be Wolves winger Pedro Neto instead.

Consequently, United could be given a clear run to Olise, while the club are also monitoring the situation of his teammate Marc Guehi if he is available this summer.