Manchester City consider formal approach for Premier League star with £50 million price cap outlined

Premier League champions Manchester City are now considering a formal approach to Crystal Palace for their star wide-forward Michael Olise, according to reports.

Officials from within the City Football Academy are currently in the process of identifying the perfect candidate to fulfil the role of a Pep Guardiola winger for the upcoming season, and that search has led them to a name close to home.

While other names on the club’s shortlist are likely to reside in Europe, Manchester City appear to be on the verge of formalising their first offer for Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, whom they believe fits the profile of forward they are looking for.

City have a tendency to move for players who have experience in their competitions – usually the Premier League or Champions League – and fit into a specific age bracket or contractual situation with their respective clubs.

Now, according to the information of The Guardian, Manchester City – alongside Chelsea – are considering a formal approach for Michael Olise, however it remains to be seen how much the 21-year-old would cost this summer.

It is highlighted that in the case of the Etihad club, officials from Manchester City would be willing to spend up to £50 million on the France international as they look to replace Riyad Mahrez following his switch to Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli last month.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has highlighted his concerns over the club’s hopes of retaining Olise this season, as a direct result of the interest in the player during the ongoing summer transfer window.

Speaking during the club’s pre-season tour in the United States, Hodgson said, “Clubs are circling around him (Michael Olise) and we are going to have a fight on our hands to make sure he stays with us. We had two outstanding wingers who were almost the best in the league – Michael Olise on the right side and Wilf on the left. We don’t have Wilf any more.

“We’ve lost five senior players from last season and brought one in – Jefferson Lerma; he’s good and we’re happy to have him – but there is still that hole of five senior players in the squad, two of whom were two of the real stars of the team.

“There’s a bit of work for the chairman and sporting director to do between now and the end of August, because the team we put out today was in our opinion, at this moment in time, our best team, but we don’t have the strength behind that team that we had last year.”

Should Manchester City fail to formalise interest in Olise or agree a deal for the youngster, they may decide to focus their attentions elsewhere, with Rennes and Belgium international Jeremy Doku also understood to be a player of interest.