Ten Hag informs Ratcliffe of 'next marquee signing' he wants at Man Utd

04 February 2024 , 13:42

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Erik ten Hag is plotting his summer recruitment (Image: 2024 Marc Atkins)

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has made it known that he wants Michael Olise to be his marquee capture in the summer.

He will not enjoy a free run at the Crystal Palace star though with Manchester City ready to rival them. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has recently taken control of the football operations at Old Trafford and his influence over transfer dealings is expected to begin this summer.

The Red Devils' squad is in need of reinforcements and Olise is one of the hottest prospects in the Premier League. He's continued to thrive at Crystal Palace, signing a new deal in the summer as the Eagles warned off interest from Chelsea, who are expected to return again in the summer.

The expectation though, according to The Sun, is that United and City will be the frontrunners. Pep Guardiola's side are ready to throw more than £60million at the winger, who will only move if he is guaranteed game time at the Etihad.

Olise's new deal included a release clause, although that figure is not yet widely known. He's scored six times this term and provided a further three assists in a Palace side that have struggled throughout the season.

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Ten Hag is seeking more reinforcements after a hit and miss history in the market as United boss. The team are in need of improvements on the flanks with a host of their options underperforming. Antony, one of the club's most expensive ever signings, has failed to live up to expectations.

Jadon Sancho is likely to depart on a permanent basis in the summer having fallen out with Ten Hag. There is also pressure on Marcus Rashford to consistently produce the form he showed last season with the team continuing to struggle in the final third.

Michael Olise is a target for both Manchester clubs (Getty Images)

Palace chairman Steve Parish said when Olise opted to sign a new deal back in August: "With Wilfried [Zaha] going, it would have been a blow to lose Michael. We're now going into the season with pretty much the team we ended last season with. We'll try to do one or two more things next week but this makes us all feel a bit better. Michael's got his own mind and people have got to make decisions about their own life.

"We have given him the room to do that and the fans will love him all the more for making that decision. I think Michael will go right to the very top of the game but right now, for his development, this is a good decision."

Samuel Meade