Former Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce says he can “see” Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise playing for the Premier League champions in the future.

The Frenchman saw a move to Chelsea break down in the summer, but he has been more recently linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester United. Asked about the interest from the Red Devils and whether the 22-year-old could make the step up, Pearce replied:

“I’ve watched him a couple of times recently and the answer is yes. Not Man United… Man City. I looked at the way he played against Chelsea especially, he got beaten on the night but he was by far the best player on the pitch in my opinion.”

“The way he dealt with the ball, his understanding of when to keep the ball, all of those type of things. I could see him in a City shirt.”

Olise has a release clause in his contract

After Chelsea withdrew their bid for the France Under 21 international in August, the player signed a contract extension with Palace. It is believed that the new deal included a buyout fee set at £60m.

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain has taken advantage of release clauses in the past, most notably Rodri and Erling Haaland, so you can’t wouldn’t rule out a move for Olise as well.

City are on the lookout for a right winger

The Cityzens are pretty well covered on the left flank, with Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish, but the departures of Riyad Mahrez and Cole Palmer left manager Pep Guardiola rather short of options on the opposite wing.

Phil Foden can play off the right but his future is likely to be in more central positions so the club are expected to consider strengthening that side of the pitch. Olise could, therefore, end up being a target next summer.