Man Utd: Major Premier League transfer planned for first Sir Jim Ratcliffe signing

Manchester United are planning a major Premier League transfer as Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise could be the player to kickstart the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era.

The Reds are awaiting ratification from the Premier League for Ratcliffe to be able to get his feet under the table at Old Trafford and start making some major changes.

While the January window is expected to be restricted to only loan deals again, the British billionaire is aiming to secure a massive transfer in the upcoming summer window.

According to Standard Sport, United are interested in making Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise one of the first signings of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era.

A move for the 22-year-old winger has been ruled out in January. United have identified the 22-year-old as a transfer target for the upcoming summer window as Ratcliffe plans a major overhaul of Erik ten Hag’s squad.

Olise signed a four-year contract at Palace in August, but according to the aforementioned report, his new £100,000-a-week deal includes a release clause that comes into effect at the end of the season.

It was added that the size of that release clause is unknown, but likely to be significantly more than the £35 million release clause in his previous contract at Selhurst Park.

Sir Dave Brailsford, who has been inducted on the board at Old Trafford, is leading an audit of the transfer structure at United, which will take time, but potential summer targets are starting to be identified behind the scenes, and Olise is viewed as a player who could help revitalise United’s underperforming attack.

United attackers have scored just four Premier League goals at Old Trafford so far this season, with three of those coming in their last home clash against Aston Villa.

The right-wing position has been a problem for many years at the club. £85 million Antony looks way off the pace for the English top flight, whilst £73 million Jadon Sancho is set for a loan move to prior club Borussia Dortmund after a row with manager Ten Hag.

Olise has five goals and one assist in nine games this season after recovering from a hamstring injury in November.