Manchester United are reportedly lining up a move for Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise that may result in Aaron Wan-Bissaka returning to Selhurst Park.
Speculation suggests that the Red Devils could pursue Olise when Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.2 billion stake is ratified in the coming months, meaning they’d need to wait until at least until the summer to try and test Palace’s resolve.
In August 2023, Chelsea agreed a deal to trigger the 22-year-old’s then-£35 million release clause after the player gave the green light to a Stamford Bridge move. However, the transfer failed to materialise after Olise penned a fresh contract with Palace, which has a buy-out fee believed to be worth almost double the previous one included in the terms.
Meanwhile, United forked out £50m for Wan-Bissaka back in 2019 and he has since played a key starting role for the club despite facing criticism for his attacking abilities all the while. He was used sparingly in the first term of Erik ten Hag’s tenure but this season, has been frequently rotated with Diogo Dalot when fit.
Wan-Bissaka could form player-plus-cash bid
It was confirmed earlier this week that the right-back was among three players – along with Hannibal Mejbri and Victor Lindelof – to have their one-year contract extensions activated, keeping them tied to Old Trafford until 2025. This gives United the power to use Wan-Bissaka in any potential negotiations for Olise and prevent him from leaving as a free agent in June.
As per the Daily Star, the Reds could map out an approach that includes Wan-Bissaka and cash, but they’re expected to face competition from rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.
