Report: Crystal Palace lead Michael Olise race; Leeds still keen

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Crystal Palace are leading the race to sign Michael Olise in January, but The Sunday People (20/12; page 53) reports that Leeds United are also interested in the teenager.

Olise has established himself as one of the most exciting talents in the Championship this term. But that will have come as little surprise to a number of Premier League sides.

The Reading Chronicle reported in October that two clubs from Leeds, Arsenal and Wolves had had bids worth over £5 million rejected by Reading for Olise in the summer window.

He has since scored four goals and contributed seven assists in the second tier. And unsurprisingly, this latest report suggests that Reading are bracing themselves for offers.

According to The Sunday People (20/12; page 53), Leeds remain in the hunt to sign the attacking midfielder. But it is claimed that it is Palace who are the current favourites.

Olise’s record this season has been outstanding. But it has been particularly remarkable in the last eight games, with two goals and five assists for Veljko Paunovic’s men.

They will certainly be hoping that he stays. The Royals sit just outside the play-off places in the Championship. And having set the pace in the early weeks of the season, they will be hoping to get themselves back into promotion contention.

Olise’s recent displays suggest that keeping him could be crucial to those hopes.