Young midfielder Michael Olise has had a breakthrough season with Reading. (Getty Images)
According to Birmingham Live, Aston Villa are said to be interested in Reading youngster Michael Olise. The starlet has attracted plenty of interest from Premier League sides such as Crystal Palace and Leeds United (h/t The Sun).
Olise’s contract runs out in 18 months time and he could well be available at a cut-price next season. Reading are desperately trying to renew his current deal.
It might be hard to believe that a side which escaped relegation by a point a few months ago is now high up the table above some of the traditional heavyweights. Yet, Aston Villa have done that in style this season.
Their squad has performed well over the season as the likes of Jack Grealish, John McGinn and Douglas Luiz have reached new levels while new signings like Ollie Watkins and Ross Barkley have settled in well. However, a gruelling second half of the season awaits. Adding some players could be a huge help in that scenario.
In this scenario, signing someone like Michael Olise looks like a very good decision. Michael Olise would be one for the future given his young age. At 18, he has enough time to develop into a big player.
His versatility of playing on either wing and attacking midfield is another factor that supports him. Also, the fact that he is regularly rubbing shoulders with the senior pros at just 18 is clearly indicative of some excellent progress and highlights a level of maturity that belies his tender years.
Under Dean Smith, Olise could improve further with intricate care. He could be a shrewd bit of investment by the club. With Barkley at the club still on a loan deal, pursuing someone like Olise makes a lot of sense. Villa should definitely go for Michael Olise in January because he would represent a good bit of business in the long term.