Manchester United continue to be linked with an interest in Crystal Palace star Michael Olise in the summer transfer window, with it now suggested that they are the frontrunners for the player.
Olise has been a key player for Palace since moving from Reading in the summer of 2021. The 22-year-old has seen his season hit by injury but has still managed seven goals and four assists in 16 Premier League appearances this campaign.
He was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea last summer, with the club even activating a £35 million release clause in his contract. But the player opted to stay at Selhurst Park and signed a new deal.
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It is reported that the deal also includes a release clause, but one at a much higher price than the previous one. ESPN report that the clause is between £50m and £60m with United the frontrunners to activate that when the summer transfer window opens.
One problem that could stand in their way is the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs). Punishments for Everton and Nottingham Forest for breaches of the regulations earlier in the season saw a major cutback in spending in the January transfer window from most Premier League clubs.
A way that United could get around this is to cash in on squad players to boost their transfer budget available to spend on incomings. ESPN have previously reported that United could try and tempt Palace to lower the price for Olise by including former full-back Aaron Wan Bissaka in any deal.
Wan-Bissaka joined United from Palace for a total fee of £50 million back in 2019. Like Olise, the 26-year-old has struggled with injuries this season, reducing him to 18 appearances in the Premier League.
When the summer comes around, the full-back will have just one year remaining on his current contract at Old Trafford. United could therefore try to use the player to reduce the price they need to pay for Olise instead of losing him for nothing in just over a year.
