Man Utd target Michael Olise following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival - report
- Michael Olise eyed as part of Man Utd rebuild under Sir Jim Ratcliffe
- Winger turned down £35m move to Chelsea last summer
- January exit from Crystal Palace unlikely
By 90min Staff
Manchester United are looking into the signing of Michael Olise as part of INEOS' plans to reinvigorate the club's forward line.
INEOS' deal to acquire a 25% stake in United has been agreed but is subject to Premier League approval. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe - who is in line to take control of footballing operations - must be consulted about immediate transfer plans and managerial changes.
Crystal Palace winger Olise has now emerged as a transfer target for United and could become one of their first signings of the Ratcliffe era, according to the Evening Standard.
Olise came close to leaving Palace last summer when Chelsea triggered his previous £35m release clause, but he spurned a move to Stamford Bridge and signed a new contract at Selhurst Park instead.
The Red Devils have decided against a January pursuit, but Olise - whose new release clause is currently undisclosed - is on their shortlist as part of summer plans to rebuild the squad.
Outcast winger Jadon Sancho - who is wanted by former club Borussia Dortmund on loan - and out-of-contract striker Anthony Martial are set to leave United this year.
United have scored a measly 22 goals in the Premier League so far this season - only relegation-battling Sheffield United and Burnley have registered fewer.
Midfielder Scott McTominay is their top scorer with five goals, while Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford have three apiece. Marquee summer signing Rasmus Hojlund grabbed five goals in United's short-lived Champions League campaign but only scored his first in the Premier League on Boxing Day.
Olise has spent much of the season so far sidelined by a hamstring injury but has still managed to score five goals in nine games for Palace, most recently grabbing a decisive brace in a 3-1 win at home to Brentford.
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