11-goal winger now a 'concrete target' for Man Utd and is 'tempted' by Old Trafford move
Manchester United are eyeing up their options for a potential summer spending spree after seeing out a quiet January transfer window. The Reds are expected to part ways with a number of senior players at the end of the season but they are also looking for new blood who can boost their silverware chances.
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Hide AdOver the last three years, the Reds have splashed an eye-watering £230 million on new forwards. Rasmus Højlund, Antony and Jadon Sancho all arrived at Old Trafford as marquee signing but already it looks like the latter two have futures elsewhere. Sancho is currently on loan with Dortmund after being frozen out of the team, and Antony has been linked to a summer exit after failing to contribute to any Premier League goals this season and struggling for game time.
Summer signing Højlund had to wait until December before scoring his first Premier League goal. However, after finally getting off the mark, the 21-year-old has scored in his last five league appearances and contributed two assists for good measure as well.
With United potentially looking to offload some big name players, they are considering replacements at the end of the season. One man on Erik ten Hag's radar is Crystal Palace's Michael Olise, who has also snagged the attention of rivals Liverpool.
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Hide AdThe Eagles signed Olise in 2021 for just £8 million from Reading and he hit the ground running in his debut season, contributing four goals and nine assists across all competitions. The versatile winger, who can also play in midfield, continued his form and bagged two goals and 11 assists last term.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has provided an update on United's interest in the 22-year-old, who is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2027. Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs said Olise 'can be termed a concrete target' for United ahead of the summer and there is 'no doubt' he is a potential departure at the end of the season.
"Manchester United's old regime, before INEOS, really like Olise and he is tempted by the prospect of a move to Old Trafford as well. All indications are that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will endorse that move," he said.
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Hide AdOlise only signed a new deal with Palace last year but the third-party interest in him right now is high. As well as Liverpool, both Manchester City and Chelsea have been linked to the winger. Earlier this year, Football Insider reported that Olise had a new release clause included in his contract, which is said to be 'well in excess of £40 million'.
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