Leeds are plotting for their return to the Premier League.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side enjoyed a truly terrific season in the Championship, avoiding the dreaded play-offs and gaining automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Not only that, they sealed promotion as champions, finishing 10 points clear of second-placed West Bromwich Albion.
And plans are now underway for the club to strengthen their squad as they prepare to take on the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea in the top-flight.
There may not be all that much needed, given the dominance Leeds enjoyed in the second-tier, but a midfielder is being linked with a switch to Elland Road.
Football Insider claims that they have set their sights on Reading man Michael Olise, having also entered the race for John Swift.
The 18-year-old has won two caps for the France U18 team, and has made his breakthrough for the Championship club in the 2019/20 season.
A versatile presence who can play in attacking midfield and on both flanks, he played in all of the club’s final 14 games of the campaign as the Royals ended the season in 14th.
Leeds are keen to exploit the fact that the second-tier club are dealing with a financial crisis, and are hopeful of snaffling Olise away.
He has a contract until 2022, but Bielsa’s men want to secure his signature in this transfer window.
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
This would be an exciting signing for Leeds.
Olise has graduated from Reading’s youth academy and is now a genuine asset in their first-team squad.
And such versatility can only be a good thing as the Premier League looms.
Having a player who can feature in three distinct positions and provide support is always a boon for a manager and Olise can do exactly that.
He is valued at just £720,000 by Transfermarkt and a deal at such a fee would be a genuine bargain for Leeds.
They ought to try to make this deal happen.