Michael Olise: Crystal Palace demand £60 million for Manchester United target - Paper Round

Manchester United will reportedly have to pay £60 million to prise Michael Olise from Crystal Palace this summer.

Olise has stood out for The Eagles this season, scoring seven goals and grabbing four assists in just 15 appearances, and has seemingly attracted the attention of Man Utd.

Carrying quotes from BBC Sport, the Daily Express writes: “Manchester United may reportedly be forced to fork out millions more than previously expected to land Crystal Palace star Michael Olise this summer, thanks to a shrewd clause in his contract.

“Olise came close to leaving Palace for Chelsea last summer, but penned a new deal at Selhurst Park and recent weeks has seen a dramatic uptick in form. The 22-year-old Frenchman has long been admired by United, who are seeking to bolster their attacking options next season.

“However, the BBC claim that Palace have slapped a price tag in excess of £60million on Olise, with [Eberechi] Eze handed the same valuation. Both signed long-term contracts this season but have release clauses that would prevent the Eagles from standing in a suitor’s way if paid.

“Though such clauses are said to be very complex and any deal would require percentages paid to Olise’s former club Reading, Palace themselves and the player.

“Olise is thought to be happy at Palace despite interest from United and would only entertain leaving for a club that promises to help demonstrate his considerable ability on the ball, playing on the front foot.”

Arsenal are seeking alternatives to Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, claims the Mirror.

The outlet believe a deal to bring the 25-year-old to the Emirates "could be difficult" and therefore are looking elsewhere in their bid to boost their midfield.

"Arsenal are tracking multiple midfield targets, amid concerns a deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi could be difficult," the article states.

"The Gunners want to sign at least one midfielder this summer and have a long-standing interest in Zubimendi.

"Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Luiz have been on their radar but both Aston Villa and Newcastle are reluctant to sell, and other targets are also under consideration.

"Zubimendi also has interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but the 25-year-old has so far been reluctant to leave his boyhood club.

"He is keen to play under Xabi Alonso, his idol who coached him at Real Sociedad B and helped him break into the first team there.

Had Alonso joined Bayern Munich, Zubimendi was expected to follow him to the Bundesliga giants.

"But now Alonso has decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for at least another season it is unclear what Zubimendi will decide."

Chelsea players are sticking by their manager Mauricio Pochettino, it has been claimed.

The Blues are currently sitting ninth in the Premier League table after losing 5-0 to Arsenal on Tuesday.

But the Argentine seemingly still has the support of his players.

The Sun writes: "Chelsea risk a dressing room revolt if they sack Mauricio Pochettino this summer.

"Despite accusing his players of 'giving up 'in Tuesday’s 5-0 thrashing at Arsenal, the players remain loyal to the manager as a turbulent season lurches towards the end.

"Chelsea’s £1billion squad believe Pochettino is steadily generating a sense of unity within the camp even though results have been wildly erratic.

"The young team assembled at huge cost also believe the Argentine head coach is doing the best he can in tough circumstances with a huge injury list in a squad that is massively inexperienced.

"A source told SunSport: 'They are all buying into what Poch is trying to do. The problems at Chelsea are not all his fault. Some of the players think he is the best man-manager in the business.

“'If Poch gets sacked it won’t go down well at all. He is not the problem.'”

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