United hold ‘upper hand’ over Chelsea in pursuit of £60m wantaway attacker who Ratcliffe wants

Manchester United are believed to hold an advantage over Chelsea in the sides’ rumoured pursuit of Michael Olise.

The Red Devils are rumoured to be targeting the Crystal Palace star having seemingly settled on the fact that Antony hasn’t lived up to expectations after almost two full seasons at Old Trafford. In that time, he’s registered just four goals and two assists in the Premier League, all of which came in his maiden term.

Olise, 22, has received plaudits for his frequent prolific showings amidst a tumultuous term for the Eagles, notching six goals and three assists in 11 appearances so far this campaign. 

Last August, Chelsea were closing in on a deal for Olise after agreeing to activate his then-£35 million release clause, however, the signing failed to materialise and the Palace ace went on to sign a four-year contract with Palace, who then – in his new terms – increased the clause to a reported £60m. 

Reds poke their noses ahead in Olise race

TeamTalk states that United hold the ‘upper hand’ in any potential race for his signature at the end of the term, regardless of whether the Blues reignite their pursuit or not. The move has been approved by new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as he looks to restore the 20-time champions to their former glories at the start of a new, optimistic era.