Crystal Palace star identified as Riyad Mahrez replacement and more Man City transfer rumours

Manchester City have identified Crystal Palace's Michael Olise as a possible replacement for Saudi Arabia-bound Riyad Mahrez, according to reports.

Mahrez is expected to leave City this summer for Al Ahli as the influx of talent from the Premier League and elsewhere flocks to the Saudi Pro League. It would end a five-year spell at the Etihad Stadium for the 32-year-old.

Mahrez joined City from Leicester in 2018 for £60m and has gone on to score 78 goals in 236 games for the Blues. He has won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League with Pep Guardiola's side.

Mahrez's contract at City has two more years left to run, after an extension was agreed last summer. However, a deal worth £30m has been agreed with Al Ahli for Mahrez and he has missed City's pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea to finalise the switch.

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It means City will likely have to bring in a replacement to fill the gap and it appears Olise has been identified as that man. According to Football Insider, City are keen on the right winger but face competition from Chelsea who are looking to bring former Stamford Bridge youth teamer back to the club, with a £35m release clause in the France under-21 international's contract at Selhurst Park.

Elsewhere, Premier League new boys Sheffield United are still hoping to have City prospect James McAtee back at Bramall Lane for the new campaign after a successful spell on loan at the Yorkshire club last season. YorkshireLive reports the club are being made to wait due to Guardiola's call to bring McAtee on the club's pre-season tour of the Far East.

The Manchester Evening News