Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has conceded that the club have a ‘fight’ to keep Michael Olise at Selhurst Park beyond the summer.
The versatile 21-year-old has been linked with an Eagles exit, with Chelsea and Manchester City believed to be in for the France youth international.
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French media claimed last month that the Blues had offered £39million to bring the youngster to Stamford Bridge.
But there is no suggestion that any potential suitor has turned their interest in Olise into a formal bid.
Olise, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury picked up at the European U21 Championships, enjoyed a stunning 2022/23 season for Palace.
He won the club’s Player of the Year award after chipping in with two goals and 11 assists in the Premier League.
His performances have caught the eye of Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola, with the Citizens boss looking to sign a replacement for Riyad Mahrez.
And Hodgson has admitted that clubs are in for the player, as he fears losing both Olise and Wilfried Zaha in the same window.
Speaking after Palace lost to Sevilla on penalties during their pre-season tour of the US, the ex-England manager said: “We 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.
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“We don’t have Wilf anymore. Clubs are circling around Olise.
“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 in.
“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.”
Though in positive news for Palace, talkSPORT understands that they are closing in on the signing of Brazilian starlet Matheus Franca from Flamengo in a deal rising to £25.7million.
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