23 January 2024 , 13:51
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Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be set for a shock reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr.
Wan-Bissaka recently had his contract extended until June 2025 through an option in his deal, but reports have since suggested that the right-back could be used as a makeweight in United's attempts to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise. Palace are keen on re-signing Wan-Bissaka this summer, having sold him to United for £50million in 2019.
United are believed to have identified Olise as one of their top transfer targets for this summer and know that Wan-Bissaka could be their trump card amid competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.
But Al-Nassr could force the Old Trafford hierarchy into a quandary with a move for Wan-Bissaka this month, having seen a bid worth £20million for Tottenham's Emerson Royal rejected by Tottenham.
According to the Telegraph, Ronaldo's club want to sign a full-back before next Thursday's transfer deadline in order to boost their fading Saudi Pro League title hopes.
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As such, Al Nassr have turned their attention to the 26-year-old who could be available given he isn't an automatic first choice and would command a decent transfer fee - as United prepare to overhaul their squad under new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's rule.
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has mostly preferred Diogo Dalot at right-back since taking the Old Trafford hot seat 18 months ago, even moving Wan-Bissaka out to the left back for their recent 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
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Man Utd recently triggered a clause to extend Aaron Wan-Bissaka's contract until June 2025 (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)Wan-Bissaka's departure of course wouldn't end United's hopes of signing Olise as the former France under-21 playmaker is understood to have a £60m release clause in his Palace contract which becomes active this June.
After rejecting a £35m bid from Chelsea last August, the Eagles handed Olise a new four-year deal which included the agreement.
United's incoming part-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS colleagues are keen to recruit proven, homegrown Premier League talent, with the likes of Palace centre-back Marc Guehi also linked. Having been born in London to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother, Olise is classed a homegrown player by top-flight officials.