Pundit urges Leeds United to beat Chelsea, Arsenal, Leicester to signing of Nigerian playmaker

Leeds United expert Joe Wainman has urged The Whites not to be left behind in the race for Reading's Nigerian playmaker Michael Olise.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa is believed to be in the market for a left-back, a central midfielder and a winger ahead of the new season and Olise has emerged as one of their transfer targets but they face competition for his services.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Leicester City have been credited with an interest in the former France U18 international, who was on standby for Nigeria's last two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Leeds United are one of seventeen Premier League clubs that have not yet completed a deal for the first team in the summer transfer window.

Wainman has praised Olise and believes the EFL Young Player of the Year would be a good signing for Leeds United.

Speaking on the JustJoe Football Show, he said : "He's been strongly linked with a move away from the Madejski Stadium this summer and along with the likes of Arsenal, Leicester and Chelsea, Leeds United are apparently in the hunt for him.

"He's a 19-year-old Frenchman and has caught the attention of Marcelo Bielsa, while Lille and Bayern Munich have also taken a firm interest so he's a hot prospect.

"He had a brilliant season during the 20-21 season for the Royals, and he scored seven goals and registered 12 assists, so he’s a real talent and if we can get that done ahead of the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich, all these other clubs – that would be an amazing signing".

Former Chelsea schoolboy Olise has been on the books of Reading since 2016 and has a contract with the Championship club until June 2022.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel