Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly preparing to battle Manchester United and Chelsea for the signature of Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise during this summer's transfer window.
The 22-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with a recent report claiming that incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to bring him to Man United this summer.
Chelsea also pushed to sign Olise in 2023, but the attacker ultimately signed a new contract at Selhurst Park, with his current terms due to run until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
There will allegedly be a release clause in his deal this summer, though, and Palace are thought to be expecting to lose him due to the amount of interest.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool and Man City have been closely monitoring Olise's performances in recent weeks, with the pair ready to battle Man United and Chelsea for his services.
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The France Under-21s international was absent in the opening months of the campaign due to a hamstring problem, but he has five goals and one assist in his last nine Premier League appearances.
Olise netted a brace against Brentford in Palace's 3-1 win over the Bees in the league on December 30, and he now has 11 goals and 20 assists in 80 appearances for the club since arriving from Reading in July 2021.
The attacker spent time with Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City during his youth career before moving to Reading, and he went on to represent their first team 73 times, scoring seven goals and registering 14 assists.
Olise is facing another spell on the sidelines through injury, though, as Palace head coach Roy Hodgson revealed ahead of Thursday's FA Cup clash with Everton that he had picked up another hamstring problem.
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"As you probably saw in the game against Brentford, Michael Olise had to come off right at the end. He felt his hamstring with the last sprint he made of the game. Unfortunately for us, he won't take part in this game," said Hodgson during his press conference.
"We'll have to nurse him through and hope he gets back as soon as possible. For how long is he out? I can't answer that one I'm afraid."
Hodgson added that it was "another little setback", but there are fears that he could now be facing another lengthy period out of action due to the nature of the issue.
Olise's release clause last summer was believed to be £35m, but it is understood that the buy-out fee that will become active at the end of this campaign will be significantly more.
Securing Champions League football for next season could play a big role in which club wins the race for the attacker, and both Man United and Chelsea face huge battles to claim top-level European action for the 2024-25 campaign.
Matt Law
