Manchester United are confident they can sign Crystal Palace striker Michael Olise and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to The Pitch Prospect.
The Red Devils are planning their first signings of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era when the summer transfer window opens on June 14.
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It is believed that the Eagles want at least £60 million for Olise, while Branthwaite could be available for as little as £40 million.
Olise scored ten goals in the Premier League last season, making him Palace’s third-best goalscorer behind Jean-Philippe Mateta (19) and fellow rising star Eberechi Eze (11).
Branthwaite, meanwhile, has developed into one of the best young defenders in the Premier League and recently secured a place in Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad for Euro 2024.
It is believed that the 21-year-old may be available for a reduced transfer fee due to Everton’s ongoing financial problems.
United will prioritise signing a centre-back following the departure of Raphael Varane; Jonny Evans is also likely to leave the club.
Despite the club’s surprise 2-1 victory in the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City, it is still unclear whether Erik ten Hag will take the helm next season.
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Everton defender Ashley Young recently admitted that Branthwaite is ready to play at a higher level.
“I think he’s ready to step up,” Young said during his appearance on The Pitch Prospect Drive last week.
“Of course there is interest from other clubs that have finished in the top half of the table, and rightly so, because I know what kind of player he is and where he can go.
“If it’s not Everton, I can imagine him at a team that can offer him Champions League football.”
“He is definitely a player who can play in the Champions League and the big tournaments.”
After winning the FA Cup, Man United are expected to play in the Europa League next season.
The Pitch Prospect host Mark Goldbridge believes new signings like Olise and Branthwaite would help Ratcliffe lead the club back into the Champions League and challenge for more trophies next season.
When asked which three players he thought his club should sign this summer, Goldbridge said: “I think it’s more than three! My first three. Well, we know Varane is leaving, so we need to get a centre-back.”
“I like Jarrad Branthwaite. But I like the idea of [Jean-Clair] Todibo from Nice. Of course INEOS [Man United’s new co-owners] I own it too and I think it would be reasonably priced and would fit in well in the Premier League.
“He has pace and skill on the ball, so he would be a natural replacement.”
“I don’t know if right winger is a sought-after position for Manchester United, but creativity certainly is. Michael Olise from Crystal Palace is a player we have been watching for a long time.”
“He has a release clause and some creativity on the flanks would be… that’s what Man United was crying out for.”
“That’s what Man United has traditionally been about: wingers who build play rather than wingers who shoot.”