Transfer Centre

Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'eyeing summer deals for Michael Olise, Jarrad Branthwaite'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 07 February 2024

Ratcliffe 'eyeing summer deals for Olise, Branthwaite'

Manchester United are keen to sign Crystal Palace's Michael Olise and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly keen to sign Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during this summer's transfer window.

There is expected to be a change in the club's transfer policy this summer under incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with the Red Devils thought to be looking to target younger players.

Man United will also allegedly assess players who are entering the final year of their contracts, with Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich falling into that category.

According to inews, the 20-time English champions are planning to 'focus on data and youth' this summer, and Olise and Branthwaite have been identified by INEOS as ideal acquisitions.

The report claims that head coach Erik ten Hag is likely to see his influence in terms of transfer strategy reduced this summer, with a recruitment team set to be put around him.

Crystal Palace's Michael Olise scores against Brentford on December 30, 2023 © Reuters

Ten Hag, as it stands, has a veto on all transfers, with the Dutchman playing a huge role in the signings that the club have made since his arrival in the summer of 2022.

Ratcliffe will implement changes in terms of recruitment, though, and Omar Berrada's arrival as the new CEO at Old Trafford has already been confirmed.

Olise's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City also believed to be interested in securing his signature.

The 22-year-old has had an injury-hit campaign but has still managed to contribute six goals and three assists in 11 Premier League appearances for the Eagles.

Olise scored once and provided two assists in Palace's 3-2 win over Sheffield United on January 30, but he could now be missing for another two months with the latest hamstring issue he suffered in the 4-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

Jarrad Branthwaite celebrates scoring for Everton on February 3, 2024 © Reuters

The France Under-21s international was linked with Chelsea last summer, but he ultimately signed a new contract at Selhurst Park, which is due to run until June 2027.

There will be a release clause in his deal this summer, though, and Man United are seemingly keen to make Olise one of the first signings of Ratcliffe's era.

Branthwaite's future is also being called into question, with Everton's financial problems potentially meaning that the centre-back is available for a cut-price fee this summer.

The 21-year-old has been in strong form for the Toffees this season after returning from a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven, scoring once in 26 appearances in all competitions.

Barcelona are also believed to be keen on Branthwaite, who only signed a new deal at Goodison Park last October, but Man United are said to lead the race ahead of the summer market.