Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise ahead of a potential summer transfer, according to reports. Chaos behind the scenes as INEOS decide on Erik ten Hag's future could cause another Manchester United target to opt for a switch to Stamford Bridge.
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Yet United are at risk of being unprepared due to the ongoing saga orbiting Ten Hag and the delayed arrival of important members of the club's new-look hierarchy.
In March, reports claimed the Red Devils' new decision-makers had agreed that Olise would be a priority target this summer.
Ten Hag's side were toothless in attack last season, totalling a -1 goal difference on their way to a record-low eighth-place Premier League finish.
And United were expected to pursue the 22-year-old winger, valued at around £60million, as one of their first summer deals.
However, Chelsea have made the first move, agreeing personal terms with Olise over a switch.
The Blues are now said to be in contact with Palace to discuss the structure of a deal to lure him across London and boost Enzo Maresca's firepower.
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Chelsea have already beaten United to the signing of Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who becomes a free agent at the end of the month.
United had reportedly identified Adarabioyo as a bargain option to reinforce their defence amid budget limitations imposed by Financial Fair Play and the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
But by the time the M16 giants made a formal approach to the centre-back's representatives, he had already agreed to join Chelsea.
They could also pay the price for moving too slowly on Olise if Chelsea make positive progress in talks with Palace.
Ratcliffe and INEOS will be heavily scrutinised this summer following disastrous Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
United will need to sell to buy to spend heavily in the coming months, and something of a clearout is expected. Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood are among those likely to be sold.
Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial will leave as free agents, tasking the Red Devils to replace both with a new centre-back and striker.
They are two positions requiring reinforcements more urgently than the right wing, which could play into Chelsea's favour and leave United disappointed if Olise is unwilling to wait.