Manchester United has set its sights on Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise as one of the first signings of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era, according to The Standard. Although a move for the 22-year-old is unlikely in the January transfer window, he is among the players on United’s radar for a summer overhaul. Olise, who signed a four-year contract with Palace in August, has a release clause in his deal that will take effect in the summer, although the specific amount remains undisclosed. Nonetheless, it is believed to be significantly higher than the previous £35 million release clause in his previous contract.
Under Ratcliffe’s control of football operations following his £1.03bn deal to acquire a 25% stake in Manchester United, the club is gearing up for a transfer strategy overhaul. Led by Sir Dave Brailsford, an audit of the team’s transfer structure is underway, with options for summer signings starting to take shape. Olise is seen as a potential key player to rejuvenate the team’s underperforming attack, particularly as the futures of Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial remain uncertain.
Bayern Munich has shown interest in AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori, as reported by Sky Sports Deutschland. However, the 26-year-old is not yet ready to part ways with Milan, and the Italian club is reluctant to let him leave. Meanwhile, Barcelona has identified Ronald Araújo as their desired player for the position, though a January move appears unlikely. Additionally, Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah is another player on Bayern Munich’s radar.
Girona’s impressive performances have attracted attention in the January transfer window. Barcelona is keen on signing Aleix García for under his €20m release clause, while Chelsea has shown interest in Artem Dovbyk. However, it seems more likely that Dovbyk will join Manchester City. Real Madrid may also consider re-signing Miguel Gutiérrez. Should Eddie Howe depart, Newcastle United is considering Michel as a potential manager.
Nottingham Forest is facing inquiries about the departure of Jonjo Shelvey to Caykur Rizespor, as reported by The Guardian. Initially, it was believed that the 31-year-old midfielder had been loaned out to the Turkish club. However, his contract was terminated as it would have exceeded the number of players allowed to be loaned out by the Premier League club.
Manchester United is reportedly interested in securing the services of Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra. Scouts have been sent to watch the 20-year-old on multiple occasions. However, competition for Guerra’s signature may arise, as Juventus is also keeping an eye on the young talent. Despite this interest, Valencia is in a strong financial position and is under no pressure to sell the player. Additionally, Juventus and an unnamed Premier League club have expressed interest in Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic, although the player prefers to remain in Serie A. Concerning Napoli, they have yet to meet Udinese’s demands of €25m for the Serbia international.
Meanwhile, AC Milan is exploring the possibility of signing Palmeiras full-back Vanderlan, according to Fabrizio Romano. However, the Serie A club is unlikely to have an extra European Union spot in January, as they are eager to secure the services of Matija Popovic, who is a free agent after his contract with Partizan Belgrade expired. Galatasaray and Stade Rennais are also among the clubs competing to sign Vanderlan.
As the winter transfer window unfolds, numerous clubs across Europe are actively pursuing potential signings, either to bolster their squads or plan for a summer overhaul. Manchester United’s interest in Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise and Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra highlights their ambition to revitalize their attacking options. Bayern Munich’s pursuit of Fikayo Tomori and Ronald Araújo indicates a desire to strengthen their defensive unit. Barcelona, too, is in search of defensive reinforcements and has identified Aleix García as a potential target. Italian clubs are also active, with AC Milan eyeing Vanderlan and Juventus expressing interest in Lazar Samardzic. As negotiations continue and rumors swirl, the transfer window promises excitement and potential game-changing deals for clubs and players alike.