MICHAEL OLISE is reportedly set to snub a transfer to Manchester City after agreeing a return to his former club.
The Crystal Palace star, 21, was on the Premier League champions’ wish list after an impressive season at Selhurst Park last term.
Michael Olise could make a return to Chelsea this summerReuters
The winger registered two goals and 11 assists for the Eagles and was crowned Player of the Year.
But with fellow star Wilfried Zaha already leaving the club, Olise looks on course to follow him out the exit door.
However, the London-born Frenchman is only expected to be moving across the capital to Chelsea, who saw their initial £26million bid rejected by Palace.
City were interested in the attacking talent, especially following Riyad Mahrez’s departure.
Now, though, Get French Football News state Olise has turned down the approach from the Etihad to head back to Chelsea.
Personal terms were said to be agreed with the Blues last week to make him the latest new face at Stamford Bridge once a fee is agreed and provide yet further competition in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke and Carney Chukwuemeka are already battling it out for the wide positions.
But France Under-21 international Olise – who could still represent England, France, Algeria or Nigeria at senior level – could be another fine addition.
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Palace boss Roy Hodgson admitted he will not stand in Olise’s way if he wants to go.
He told Sky Sports: “No one knows at this moment.
“If there are clubs desperately preparing a bid and tempting him then he’ll decide.
“I can only wait and see what decision he will make, he knows we want to keep him.”
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Eagles ace Olise joined Crystal Palace from Reading in 2021 for £8m.
But he signed for the Royals’ academy after being let go by Chelsea.
Olise joined the Blues aged seven and spent seven years with them, leaving when he was 14 before continuing his development with Reading.
Should Chelsea stump up the cash for Olise – likely to be at least £35m – that would move their spending in the Todd Boehly era even closer to £1billion in just three transfer windows.