Manchester United are reportedly lining up alternative targets in case they fail to sanction Michael Olise’s arrival this summer.
The Red Devils are yet to formally ignite their pursuit of Olise, but all signs point to him being a priority name on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s shortlist ahead of the transfer window opening next Friday (June 14).
However, it’s no secret that the Frenchman is an integral cog in the project that Oliver Glasner is building at Selhurst Park, so the Eagles will do everything in their power to keep hold of him for at least another season while making it difficult for any interested clubs to oversee a deal.
As such, United could resort to a cheaper alternative in the form of Crysencio Summerville. The Leeds United starlet, 22, registered 19 goals and nine assists in the Championship last term before the Whites fell at the final hurdle and lost the play-off final to Southampton.
Read more: United force European club’s hand into lowering target’s asking price after failed £51m bid
The defeat has left the Yorkshire outfit navigating a precarious financial situation, which United may look to capitalise on.
Speaking on The Done Deal Show, transfer reporter Ben Jacobs weighed in on the prospect of Ratcliffe and Co. striking up a deal with an arch-rival.
Jacobs details why Summerville may be a more plausible option
“Summerville is easier [than Olise],” Jacobs began. “There’s no formal release clause, but there’s an acceptance from Leeds’ part that they will listen to offers. Leeds need to generate money because they’re not back in the Premier League. I expect Summerville to be available between £30-35m.
“I think Manchester United could come into the conversation even though they’ve not progressed anything definitively at this stage, but he’s much cheaper. If it’s a balancing act financially or they feel they’re not going to get Olise they will enter into that conversation.”
