Transfer: Man Utd’s interest in Olise clarified

Transfer market expert, David Ornstein, has shed light on Manchester United’s pursuit of former Super Eagles invitee, Michael Olise, who currently plays for Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils view Olise as a potential replacement for Brazil international Antony.

Olise, who has 15 goal involvements in the league—outperforming all of Manchester United’s forwards—has caught the eye of co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, who is keen to bring the 22-year-old to Old Trafford.

Concerns arose after Olise’s agent, Glen Tweneboah, was banned by the English FA, leading to speculation about how this might impact Olise’s potential summer transfer.

Ornstein has clarified that the agent’s ban, which starts in October, will not hinder the transfer process.

However, he noted that there have been no formal negotiations between Crystal Palace and any interested parties, including Manchester United.

In his Q&A with The Athletic, also reported by CaughtOffside, Ornstein stated: “There’s plenty of interest in Olise – from Manchester United, for example – and therefore it is possible a move could happen.

“The ban his agent has been handed starts in October, so that will not be a prohibiting factor. But there have been no concrete talks or developments between suitors and Crystal Palace so far and it is not guaranteed he will go, as we saw last summer with Chelsea.

“Olise is said to be the type of person to think these decisions through very carefully and will not depart unless it is right for both him and Palace.

“It has been well documented there is a release clause, which it is believed could facilitate his exit for a fee in the region of £60m, however from everything we hear it is a complicated mechanism and not as straight forward as: pay the fee and get him.”