DONE DEAL – INEOS approve first £60m Man United summer transfer as player is keen and ready to play at Old Trafford

DONE DEAL – INEOS approve first £60m Man United summer transfer as player is keen and ready to play at Old Trafford

Manchester United’s newly-formed board have approved a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.

The board, formed partly by Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, have started working on summer transfer targets following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of 27.7% of the club.

The deal gives Ratcliffe’s INEOS team full control of football operations, and therefore the deciding say on transfers.

While United’s transfer budget will depend on whether they qualify for the Champions League and what funds they can raise through player sales, there are certain areas that INEOS are already making decisions on.

The right flank is a problem area for United, given Antony’s poor performances since a £85million move from Ajax and Jadon Sancho’s expected departure this summer.

Olise, 22, has excelled at Crystal Palace since joining from Reading and he has a £60m release clause in his contract.

The Frenchman is said to favour a move to Old Trafford over Chelsea or Liverpool, and Ben Jacobs says INEOS have approved a move for the winger.

United will then look at signing a centre-back and a new left-back, given the injury problems Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have suffered this term.

The Red Devils take on Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could all return from injury.

Mason Mount will be given longer to recover, despite being back in training