Liverpool are eyeing a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise ahead of the summer transfer window, according to ESPN.
Despite Liverpool’s interest, stiff competition is expected from fellow Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United, both eager to bolster their respective squads.
Last summer, Chelsea were reportedly poised to secure the 22-year-old’s services by activating a £35 million release clause in his contract with Crystal Palace.
However, the expected move did not materialise, as there was no response from Olise or the club following Chelsea’s offer.
Subsequently, Olise demonstrated his commitment to Crystal Palace by signing a new four-year contract, extinguishing Chelsea’s hopes.
Manchester City were also interested in signing Olise, who had been released by Chelsea as a youngster.
Pep Guardiola, in the wake of Riyad Mahrez’s departure, was keen on reinforcing his attacking options and saw potential in the talented winger.
ESPN claims that “Manchester United have discussed a summer move for Olise which would see defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka returning to Selhurst Park as part of any deal.”
It is believed the French U-21 international would be allowed to leave in the summer despite signing a new deal last year.
“United’s readiness to part with Wan-Bissaka as part of a deal could prove persuasive to Palace” as per the report.
ESPN further stated that “United’s interest in Olise is not universally supported within Old Trafford, with some members the recruitment team expressing reservations following the failure of Wan-Bissaka and Wilfried Zaha to successfully make the transition from Palace to the more demanding environment of life at United.”
The Frenchman has been one of the standout players for Palace this season despite being hampered by an injury.
He has scored five goals and provided one assist in nine Premier League games this season as Roy Hodgson’s side lie 14th on the standings.
As the summer transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen which club will successfully secure Michael Olise’s signature, with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United all vying for the versatile forward.
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