Manchester United have identified Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise as one of their first major targets of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era.
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- Man Utd boast stale frontline
- Olise could provide spark
- But any move would be in summer
- Getty Images
WHAT HAPPENED?
The British billionaire announced his purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club on Christmas Eve, and is thought to have taken control of football operations immediately. This involves a complete overhaul of United's failed transfer policy, which reports could include a move for Olise. The France international is admired by those within Ratcliffe's INEOS group, who feel the Eagles winger could "revitalise" Erik ten Hag's stale forward line.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Only Sheffield United and Burnley have scored fewer Premier League goals than the Red Devils this campaign, who have posted just 22 in total. Olise, by contrast, is in fine form for Palace, having recorded four goals and an assist in his last four league matches. However, reports that any move for the 22-year-old winger will have to wait until the summer, when his release clause comes into effect following a new £100,000 ($126,000)-a-week deal signed in August. It is thought to be comfortably above the £35 million ($44m) clause which Chelsea tried to trigger last summer.
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DID YOU KNOW?
United's approach is also affected by Financial Fair Play regulations, as the club told fans last month that January could be quiet in terms of incoming transfers. Ratcliffe's investment is also not expected to be ratified by the Premier League until February, which would then facilitate the club's ability to buy players – such as Olise – in the summer.
- Getty
WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?
That said, January could be a busy month of outgoings for the Red Devils. Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane have been told they can negotiate deals with other clubs after United refused to trigger their contract extensions. Jadon Sancho looks to finally have a route out of the club, too, with Borussia Dortmund closing in on a loan move, while Donny van de Beek has already joined Eintracht Frankfurt in a loan of his own.
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