Chelsea are showing “concrete interest” in signing Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

It was originally reported that the Blues had tabled a €45m (£39m) offer for the Frenchman and, while Ornstein does deny any bid was proposed, he does confirm that that the player is a genuine transfer target for Mauricio Pochettino’s side:

“I was led to believe a bid has not come in for Michael Olise but Chelsea do have concrete interest.”

Whether the Blues will, in fact, firm up their interest in the coming days and weeks, Ornstein doesn’t say, but the potential existence of a release clause may tempt them into making an approach.

Another reliable journalist, Fabrizio Romano, claims a £35m buyout fee is active and, for that price, you would have to say that Olise is very much worth the outlay.

Chelsea currently have other priorities in the transfer market

Reinforcing midfield remains top of the agenda for co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley. After having a second bid for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo rejected, though, we shall see if it leads to the London club switching targets.

They are also said to be very interested in signing Southampton’s Romeo Lavia but it is believed that Liverpool are closing in on sealing the Belgian’s signature.

A bid for Olise later in the window cannot be ruled out

Once the Blues have managed to fill gaps in other areas of the pitch, you can see them going back in for the Olise before the end of August.

The 21-year-old is an extremely promising young player, and he would undoubtedly strengthen Pochettino’s options in attack. Both Manchester City and Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in him as well, so Chelsea may not want to wait too long before starting negotiations.