EXCLUSIVE: Bayern leading Chelsea, Man City in chase for midfield starlet

Graeme Bailey 27 Mar 2021 9:25 AM

Bayern Munich are considering a second swoop on Championship outfit Reading, with the German giants chasing Michael Olise, we can reveal.

The Bundesliga side have already secured Royals left-back Omar Richards on a pre-contract, which will see him move to Bavaria on a free transfer. But they are not ready to stop there, with the highly-rated Olise now very much on their radar.

The 19-year-old can move to the continent for a nominal amount of compensation. However, given that he’s regarded as one of the top young midfielders in the country, he should fetch a decent fee.

Olise is a French youth international, who is also still wanted by England, but he is out-of-contract at the Madejski Stadium this summer and has told the club he is not going to sign a new deal.

The teenager spent time with Manchester City and Chelsea as a young player, before joining Reading’s youth system.

However, both his former clubs are back in the market for him. Indeed, we can reveal more than half the Premier League have told his representatives they would like to take him.

But with Reading demanding compensation of well over £10million, moving abroad could end up being an easier option.

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Clubs may not want to risk a transfer tribunal, as that is what would be needed if any club interested cannot agree a deal with Reading.

Olise, who also saw team-mate Danny Loader join Porto last year, is open to the idea of moving abroad.

Bayern, though, are not the only interested in party. We understand that Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Lyon, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus are also keen.

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Former striker linked with Chelsea return

Romelu Lukaku has been added to Chelsea’s shortlist of potential striker targets for the summer, according to reports.

Lukaku previously played for Chelsea between 2011 and 2014, but spent most of that time out on loan at other clubs. In total, he only made 15 appearances for the club before packing his bags and joining Everton. It was a move they may have come to regret.

Chelsea have notoriously let go of a number of players who have gone on to fulfil their potential elsewhere in recent years. Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah are examples, but so is Lukaku.

He may have left Manchester United without getting the respect he deserved in 2019. But since joining Inter thereafter, he has proven himself to be one of the best strikers in the world.

The Belgian was Inter’s top scorer last season with 34 goals in all competitions. This season, he already has 25 goals to his name and looks set to outscore all his teammates again.

Lukaku’s form in Italy has seen some clubs consider giving him a second chance in the Premier League. For example, Manchester City have been linked with a move for their former rival.

But now, a shock return to Chelsea could be on the cards, according to The Telegraph.

The newspaper claims that Lukaku has been identified as a possible alternative target. That is if Chelsea cannot sign Erling Haaland in the summer. The Borussia Dortmund striker is their top target but comes with a hefty price tag.

Michael Olise