Man Utd may be using Michael Olise as a smokescreen for another £60m signing

Manchester United have been strongly linked with a swoop for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise this summer, with INEOS said to agree on making the French winger a priority target. However, the Red Devils could be using Olise as a smokescreen in the transfer market and actually eyeing a deal for his team-mate.

Erik ten Hag has plenty of right-wingers at his disposal after establishing Alejandro Garnacho as his first-choice option last season.

Antony, Amad Diallo, Jadon Sancho and Facundo Pellistri can also operate in the position, but Olise is thought to be a prime target.

Chelsea are also in the frame and have already beaten United to one player this summer, swooping for Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer.

But the M16 giants’ focus could, in fact, be zoomed in elsewhere among the Palace attack based on fresh reports as the transfer window edges closer.

According to The Sun, United are preparing to battle Tottenham Hotspur for the signing of Eberechi Eze.

INEOS are keen on naming him a marquee arrival at the start of their project at Old Trafford following an impressive campaign, earning a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.

Olise would likely cost United around £60million, but Eze has a release clause of the same value, making him obtainable if he is convinced of the move.

Injuries restricted Eze to 27 appearances last term but he scored 11 goals and provided a further four assists, sparking links to Premier League champions Manchester City.

Meanwhile, United’s toothless attack ended the season with a -1 goal difference, scoring just 57 goals, the joint-lowest figure among top-half clubs.

So it comes as no surprise they are eyeing fresh attacking reinforcements on top of a new striker to replace Anthony Martial as competition for Rasmus Hojlund.

However, even if City don’t make their move, Spurs may prove difficult to beat in the race for Eze’s signature.

The report claims that individuals close to Eze were spotted in his agency’s hospitality suite at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for games against Palace and Burnley earlier this year.

CAA Base have strong connections at Spurs. Head coach Ange Postecoglou, Son Heung-min and James Maddison are among their clients.

Tottenham join United as the Premier League’s two representatives in the Europa League next term following a positive first season under Postecoglou.

But it remains to be seen whether either or both clubs will have to generate funds through player sales before launching a pursuit.