Man Utd hatch swap deal plan to beat Chelsea to £60m Michael Olise transfer

Manchester United are reportedly hatching a plan to navigate Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules in order to secure the £60m summer transfer of Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise. The Red Devils have been consistently linked with the 22-year-old reported Chelsea and Arsenal target, who has been instrumental for Palace since his move from Reading in the summer of 2021.

Despite a season marred by injury, Olise has still managed to net seven goals and provide four assists in just 16 Premier League appearances this campaign. Last summer, Chelsea were heavily linked with the player, even activating a £35 million release clause in his contract.

However, Olise chose to remain at Selhurst Park and signed a new deal. Reports suggest that this new deal also includes a release clause, but at a significantly higher price than the previous one. ESPN reports that the clause is set between £50m and £60m, with United leading the race to activate it when the summer transfer window opens.

However, the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs) could pose a hurdle. Earlier this season, Everton and Nottingham Forest faced sanctions for breaching these regulations, leading to a significant reduction in spending during the January transfer window by most Premier League clubs, reports the Manchester Evening News.

One strategy that United could employ to navigate this situation is to sell off some of their squad players to increase the transfer budget for new signings. ESPN has previously suggested that United might attempt to persuade Palace to reduce Olise's price tag by offering full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka as part of the deal.

Wan-Bissaka, who transferred from Palace to United for a total fee of £50 million in 2019, has had a similar season to Olise, with injuries limiting him to just 18 Premier League appearances. As summer approaches, Wan-Bissaka will have only one year left on his current contract at Old Trafford.

Football.london reported in January that the Blues remain interested in Olise, but the Frenchman is believed to prefer a move to Old Trafford.