PICK UP THE MIC

PEP GUARDIOLA will fight Erik ten Hag all the way in the chase for Crystal Palace sensation Michael Olise.

Manchester City see the French talent as a major capture for the summer and they are lining up a huge offer.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag also wants Olise as a flagship arrival of the new Sir Jim Ratcliffe era at Manchester United.

But City hope the allure of joining Pep’s squad will tempt the Palace wideman.

Olise — who turned down Chelsea at the start of the season — has the skills for City’s style and also plays on the right, where they have room for a top operator.

Money will be no object as City will throw £60million or more at the Palace star, who limped off in the 4-1 defeat at Brighton, in the next window.

Chelsea may try again but it is shaping up to be a City vs United scrap.

He will only move if he thinks he will get game time and that is likely as Guardiola only plans minor squad changes.

Olise has scored six goals and registered three assists this season.

The 22-year-old’s contract at Selhurst Park runs until 2027 and there is reportedly a release clause in the deal – but the amount is unknown.

Meanwhile, United are looking at their former academy scout and recruitment analyst Sam Williams to make a return to a new-look transfer team from Ipswich.

Williams became head of recruitment at the Tractor Boys in April 2022 -Sun.