Reading of England’s Nigerian-born French youth international, Michael Olise has gained interesting transfer attention from Aston Villa, as the 19-year-old midfielder continues attracting growing links in the January market, megasportsarena.com reports.
The attack-conscious lad, who can also play as a support striker or winger and is still eligible to play for England or Nigeria, signed a three-year professional contract with Reading in the past summer after impressing in their academy and making a string of first-team appearances.
However, British tabloid, The Mirror has disclosed that Villa are keen on snatching him from The Royals, following his breakthrough season, in which he has played a key role in what has become a very fine first half of the campaign for the former English Premier League side..
The report adds that Villa’s coach, Dean Smith has gained the green light from his Birmingham-based club’s hierarchy to continue adding to his squad’s depth, while market prices are lower than usual due to the effects of COVID-19, and Olise has popped up as a very ideal option for him.
Incidentally, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig of Germany as well as Monaco of France and Napoli of Italy have also shown an interest in Olise, who many scouts believe is the best prospect outside the Premier League.
Liverpool and Leeds United of England are also both reportedly keen on a deal for Olise, who previously spent time with Chelsea and City as a youngster, before joining Reading, and Football Insider report that he has impressed the pair sufficiently for them both to advance their interest ahead of the January window.
TEAMtalk revealed in October that Olise is in hot demand and that Reading are hopeful they can extend Olise’s contract which expires in June 2022, and increase his buyout fee, as he has been a key figure in The Royals’ strong start to the current English Championship season, with four goals and seven assists in 20 appearances.
The report claims Olise has an £8m release clause in his contract and both Liverpool and Leeds are considering a deal, who had also been watched by Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers, before The Reds, Everton, Chelsea and Manchester City all added him to their scouting lists.
