Manchester United are set to make a run at Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise during the summer window, while an experienced striker is also on their wish list, 90min understands.
The Red Devils are restructuring behind the scenes after INEOS agreed to purchase a 25% stake in the club, with their completion set to be confirmed next week.
INEOS are determined to sort a new structure and appoint a director of football before closely looking at transfer targets – their main focus in the market at this stage is on outgoings.
Anthony Martial is set to leave United at the end of the season when his contract expires despite an option to extend by a year existing in his current deal, while Raphael Varane will also depart in the summer if he does not agree a new deal on reduced terms.
United will listen to offers for Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka but are neither are necessarily transfer listed. However, football director John Murtough visited Saudi Arabia last year and made it clear to dealmakers several players might be available.
At this moment, INEOS want to identify positions to strengthen rather than look at specific names to target. But sources have told 90min they have endorsed United’s current pursuit of long-standing target Olise and he is expected to be a concrete option for the summer window.
United are also still looking for another option up front having failed to sign one during the January window. 90min understands INEOS define ‘experienced striker’ as someone who has scored double digits of goals in at least three seasons, ideally in a top-five league.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is expected to be on the move this summer having agreed to a release clause worth in excess of €100m in his new contract. That number is likely to prove tough for United to meet, but they could enter the race if they secure Champions League football and the added riches that come with it.
Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy, Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee and RB Leipzig\s Benjamin Sesko are also under consideration, though United are wary of bringing in another striker who is of a similar profile and/or age to Rasmus Hojlund, who is now enjoying a fine run of form.
United did explore a move for Harry Kane last summer but were given little confidence of acquiring him from Tottenham Hotspur following formative talks and he instead joined Bayern Munich.
In all likelihood, United will also be on the lookout for a centre-back. They have been linked with Matthijs de Ligt by German media amid his uncertain future at Bayern, but there is not believed to be a leading contender to sign him at this moment and talk of an exit is still premature.
What we know
- INEOS want to appoint new sporting director before finalising most transfer targets
- Michael Olise interest predates their arrival but they are also fans and have approved a pursuit
- Experienced striker also on wish list after failing to acquire one in January.