January 3rd 2024.
Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise. The Red Devils have been in the middle of a reshuffle ever since Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe's £1.3billion deal. This will grant him control of sporting matters and the recruitment team will be in charge of the January window.
United are not only looking to ship out fringe players this month, but they are also planning ahead for the summer. Olise has been identified as a key target ahead of the end of the season. The 22-year-old had been targeted by Chelsea and Manchester City last summer, but he signed a four-year contract with Palace that included a release clause.
The release clause is thought to be relatively modest and United feel Olise could help to revitalize their attack and provide creativity and firepower. Olise returned to the Palace team in the middle of November after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for the France Under-21 side. He has quickly found his form and sharpness since then, netting in his second game back and has scored four goals and an assist in his last four appearances - including a brace in a man-of-the-match display against Brentford.
This is a stark contrast to current first-choice United right winger Antony, who has failed to score or assist in 21 appearances in all competitions. It is expected that United will trigger Olise's release clause in the summer.
The transfer wishlist of Manchester United does not end with Olise, however. The club is also reportedly in talks to delay Andre Onana's AFCON departure and Erik ten Hag has blocked Hannibal Mejbri's loan exit from Manchester United. With Mikel Arteta wanting three new players in the January window to revive Arsenal's title bid, it looks like the transfer window is going to be an interesting one.
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