Yoro and Branthwaite transfer claims emerge as Man Utd handed Olise worry

Chelsea have reportedly made the first move to sign Manchester United transfer target Michael Olise, while fresh updates have emerged regarding moves for defensive duo Leny Yoro and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Crystal Palace star Olise is a man in demand this summer on the back of another impressive season for his club, during which he scored ten goals and provided six assists despite only making 19 Premier League appearances.

But it is Chelsea who are putting the groundwork in to get a deal done, as reported by The Mirror, with the London club described as being “desperate” to win the race for the Frenchman.

The report states Palace have accepted their star man’s wishes to play Champions League football, something both Chelsea and United will not be able to offer on this occasion, and will only listen to offers between £60million and £70m.

Chelsea’s lack of Champions League football is described as having no effect on their desire to recruit Olise, who has “hugely impressed” those at Stamford Bridge due to his dataset and consistent performance levels.

READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been told eight words that will test his Manchester United authority

READ MORE: Ten Hag won a battle against Ronaldo and a war to keep his job

A separate report from The Athletic has indicated Chelsea have “made contact” with Palace to request talks with the representatives of the 22-year-old in the hope of agreeing personal terms.

On a more positive front, United are believed to be readying a bid for Everton defender Branthwaite. The English centre-back is one of the Red Devils’ summer targets and would provide a much-needed injection of quality to Erik ten Hag’s backline.

The Daily Mail have stated United are “set to table” an offer, though it remains to be seen exactly what figure will be sent Everton’s way. As previously reported by the MEN, the Blues are not prepared to accept a cut-price deal and are seeking between £70m and £80m for the Carlisle-born star.

The 21-year-old signed a new Everton deal until 2027 in October and the length of his contract, age, position and nationality have protected Branthwaite’s resale value. Branthwaite has also not agitated to leave.

Everton sources have noted the parallels between United’s signing of Harry Maguire for £80m in 2019 and their interest in Branthwaite as a means for justifying their valuation. Similarly to the present day, United were reeling from their worst defensive record in 40 years and had failed to qualify for the Champions League when they made Maguire the most expensive defender in the game’s history five years ago.

But the pursuit of a new centre-back seemingly won’t end there. The Athletic have also reported that Manchester United are actively pursuing Lille defender Yoro, as are rivals Liverpool.

Yoro has established himself as one of the most exciting defenders on the continent since breaking into the Ligue 1 side’s first team. Still only 18 years old, Yoro featured 32 of his side’s 34 league games last season.

Real Madrid are also said to be in the race and, according to the report, both United and Liverpool recognise that the Champions League winners are in the best position to land the young Frenchman, who is entering the final year of his contract.