'Way better than Antony' - Man Utd told transfer fee needed to prise Michael Olise away from Crystal Palace

As Erik ten Hag struggles to solve United's goalscoring woes, it has been reported that the Red Devils have taken an active interest in Olise and are prepared to offer Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a makeweight to close any deal. The 22-year-old has been in sensational form for the Eagles this season and boasts of scoring five goals in nine league appearances, despite sitting out the initial phase of the campaign with an injury.

Former Palace striker Morrison lavished praise on Olise, insisting he will "cost big, big money" before judging him to be better than United's misfiring Brazilian winger Antony.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Morrison said: "Listen, he is a superstar. The kid can be what he wants to be. Any of those top-four teams will come knocking on Crystal Palace's door. He would give Man United goals and assists, he can do whatever he wants. I think he is a fantastic player. He's going to be top, top. I speak to [Crystal Palace sporting director] Dougie Freedman about him a lot. It would cost big, big money to sign Olise – at least £60 to £70m. He is still at a young age. I think he moves on in the summer, without a shadow of a doubt. He has got it all. If you want to do the comparisons [between] him and Antony, he is way better than Antony."

Liverpool are also said to be keen on Olise, while Chelsea were close to signing the player last summer, but the French winger made an U-turn and chose to commit his future to the Eagles. Despite Chelsea reportedly triggering his £35m ($44.5m) release clause, Palace threatened to go to a tribunal as theyfelt that the Blues had illegally "tapped up"their player. Olise ultimatelysigned an extension which ties him to Selhurst Park until 2026.

Olise allegedly has a release clause in his current contract which comes into effect in the summer and is slated at £60 million ($76m). Palace will be determined to hold on to their prized asset and would possibly only buckle if the release clause is activated.

Olise, who was adjudged the Eagles' Players' Player of the Season for 2022-23, will return to action on Wednesday in an FA Cup third-round replay against Everton at Goodison Park. Meanwhile, United are currently on a mini-break and will get back to competitive action on January 28 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.