Michael Olise was likened to Lionel Messi after Liverpool display amid fresh transfer links

Liverpool has reportedly entered the race for Michael Olise this summer, with the Crystal Palace winger looking set to spark a transfer battle among some of the Premier League’s big guns.

Olise has been linked with Liverpool previously, with the Reds reportedly in the market for a right winger. According to Football Transfers, the 22-year-old is on the shortlist, as well as PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko.

Liverpool is said to be on the lookout for a successor to Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian is entering the final year of his current deal at Anfield, with speculation surrounding his future amid more interest from Saudi Arabia.

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Olise reportedly wants to land a Champions League club, which would work in Liverpool’s favor against the two other sides said to be in the race, Manchester United and Chelsea. The forward though is said to be a fan of United, while Chelsea would offer him the chance to stay in London, meaning all three sides could be on a level playing field.

Palace is holding firm though, and wants the $76m (£60m/€71m) release clause met if they’re to let Olise go this summer. The France U21 international only signed a new four-year deal at Selhurst Park last year.

Should Liverpool decide to meet Palace’s demands though, they could be getting a player that has been compared to Lionel Messi. Discussing Olise with former Reds midfielder Jamie Redknapp after Palace's 1-0 win at Anfield back in April, Paul Merson didn’t hesitate in likening the Palace star to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“Well you can’t stop Messi getting on his left [foot], can you?” Merson said on Sky Sports. “It’s his body movement, Jamie, he’s so in control of the ball. You know, even with the goal there against Luton, he’s running 100 miles an hour, but he’s always got control of the ball.

“He’s not running with his head down, he knows what he’s going to do. He probably knows what he’s going to do when he gets that ball near the halfway line. He’s going to go down the wing, cut in and bend it in the corner. He’s a top player.”

Liverpool.com says: Comparing Olise to Messi might be a bit much from Merson, but there is no denying his talent. It will be interesting to see whether Liverpool does indeed make a play for him this summer.

Assuming Salah plans on staying next season, there will be other priorities within the squad to address. Another right winger should be on the shopping list soon though, and Olise should definitely be among the names considered.