Manchester United and Manchester City both failed with last-minute offers to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise who is now bound for Bayern Munich.
It emerged on Friday night the German giants are on the brink of signing the 22-year-old star who has opted for a move to the Bundesliga despite intense interest from Chelsea.
The Blues were given the green light to speak to Olise by Palace but decided they could not afford Olise’s wages. Bayern are now expected to wrap up a deal in the coming days and meet his £55million release clause.
United are long-term admirers of Olise who was thought to be a leading transfer target under the new INEOS regime. City boss Pep Guardiola is also a huge fan of the Frenchman.
The Mirror report both Manchester clubs made ‘extraordinary offers’ to sign Olise at the eleventh hour. Both offers included arrangements which would have allowed Palace to keep the winger at Selhurst Park for one more season.
United struck a similar arrangement with the Eagles in 2013 when signed Wilfried Zaha, who remained in south east London for another six months.
Key to Olise’s decision to choose Bayern is his desire to play in the Champions League next season. Chelsea and Newcastle United, who were also interested, were unable to offer him that with United in no position to either.
While also admirers, Liverpool did not formally enter the race to sign him.
While they reached the Champions League semi-finals, Bayern endured a disappointing domestic campaign with Bayer Leverkusen ending their 11-year reign as German champions.
They have since appointed Vincent Kompany their new head coach with a major recruitment drive underway in Bavaria.
In addition to Olise, Bayern are also hoping to sign Dutch star Xavi Simons. The attacking midfielder starred at RB Leipzig last season on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
The club also remain in talks to sign Joao Paulinha from Fulham.
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