Despite strong links to Michael Olise, Man Utd might have another £60m signing up their sleeve.
Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise this summer, with INEOS reportedly prioritizing the French winger. However, the Red Devils might be using Olise as a smokescreen while eyeing a deal for his teammate.
Erik ten Hag has plenty of right-wingers, with Alejandro Garnacho established as his first-choice option last season. Antony, Amad Diallo, Jadon Sancho, and Facundo Pellistri can also play the position, but Olise is thought to be a prime target. Chelsea are also interested and have already beaten United to Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
New reports suggest United’s focus might be elsewhere in the Palace attack. According to The Sun, United are preparing to compete with Tottenham Hotspur for the signing of Eberechi Eze. INEOS aims to make Eze a marquee signing at Old Trafford following his impressive season, which earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
Olise would likely cost United around £60 million, but Eze has a release clause of the same amount, making him an obtainable target if convinced. Despite injuries limiting Eze to 27 appearances last term, he scored 11 goals and provided four assists, attracting interest from Premier League champions Manchester City.
United’s attack ended the season with a -1 goal difference, scoring just 57 goals, the joint-lowest among top-half clubs. It is no surprise they are seeking fresh attacking reinforcements alongside a new striker to replace Anthony Martial and compete with Rasmus Hojlund.
However, even if City don’t pursue Eze, Spurs may prove tough competition. The report claims individuals close to Eze were seen in his agency’s hospitality suite at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for games against Palace and Burnley earlier this year. CAA Base, which has strong connections at Spurs, represents key figures such as head coach Ange Postecoglou, Son Heung-min, and James Maddison.
Both United and Spurs will compete in the Europa League next term, following a positive first season under Postecoglou. It remains to be seen if either club will need to generate funds through player sales before pursuing Eze.