In the first three days of the January transfer window, Manchester United have sanctioned two exits, are on the brink of green-lighting a third departure and have reportedly settled on one of their priority summer targets. If it’s any indicator of what to expect from the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era, supporters’ excitement wouldn’t be misplaced.
Express Sport runs through the latest transfer news from Old Trafford as Sir Jim and INEOS make an efficient start to life as United’s new sporting overlords.
Man Utd want to sign Michael Olise
Sir Jim is reportedly keen to make Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise one of the club’s first signings under the INEOS banner this summer.
According to the Evening Standard, United plan to trigger the trigger the release clause in Olise’s new contract, which becomes active at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old is viewed as a player capable of upgrading Erik ten Hag’s misfiring attack, which has only outscored Burnley and Sheffield United in the Premier League this season.
Olise’s transfer fee is currently unknown but will likely be significantly higher than the £35m release clause in his previous deal at Selhurst Park.
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Timo Werner emerges as striker target
In the short term, United are set to return to the loan market for attacking reinforcements before the January transfer deadline.
The Mirror report that RB Leipzig are ready to sanction Timo Werner’s loan exit as long as he’s getting game time elsewhere.
And it’s claimed that United is a realistic destination for the £50m Chelsea flop, who could be interested in a second shot at Premier League football.
Werner’s minutes have been limited in Germany this season, one year after his £25m return from Stamford Bridge, due to niggling injuries.
Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund advanced
Jadon Sancho could be on the verge of a United departure, with Borussia Dortmund closing in on his signature.
According to Fabrizio Romano, talks to take Sancho back to Dortmund on loan are already advancing to the key stages.
The Bundesliga giants are said to want the deal to go through very soon, and it’s now down to United to agree on how much of Sancho’s salary they will pay during his six-month stint away.
Dortmund will reportedly have to pay a loan fee for the 23-year-old winger’s return, but it is unlikely to be a hurdle.
