Michael Olise keen on Man Utd move as Chelsea drop interest
- Man Utd interested in signing Michael Olise this summer
- Crystal Palace star open to move to Old Trafford
- Chelsea made move for Olise last year but unexpected to renew interest
By Sean Walsh, Ben Jacobs
Michael Olise would be open to a summer transfer to Manchester United should the Red Devils firm up their interest in him, sources have told 90min.
The 22-year-old has battled through this season with various injury problems, but has remained one of Crystal Palace's best players whenever fit.
90min previously reported that Olise was a transfer target for United this summer as he was admired by both the old and new regimes at Old Trafford following Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS' onboarding.
The Red Devils could shift several players at the end of the season. Forward Anthony Martial will leave when his contract expires, winger Antony could be sold and midfielder Christian Eriksen's future is up in the air, and a versatile player like Olise would help cover the creative void from some or all of those departures.
90min understands that if United were to step up their interest, then Olise would be keen on joining the club.
However, despite reports suggesting otherwise, sources have told 90min that Chelsea do not currently plan to reignite their interest in Olise and they are not rivalling United for his signature this summer at this stage.
Olise signed a new contract with Palace last summer after the Eagles threatened Chelsea with legal action. The Blues thought they had triggered a complicated £35m release clause in his previous deal, but this was not the case and so they backed away from a transfer, turning to Cole Palmer instead.
The Frenchman's new contract is believed to contain another release clause which is close to his market value, standing between £50m and £60m. However, as was the case with his last contract, the clause remains legally complicated and Palace are not yet resigned to losing him.
Chelsea believe they are well-stocked in Olise's primary positions, not least because of the success of Palmer, and are prioritising strengthening in other areas instead.