Bayern Munich are increasingly confident of winning the race to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace, sources have told ESPN.
Palace are reluctant to lose the 22-year-old but acknowledge he is keen to progress his career and last week granted permission for three clubs to speak to him — Chelsea, Bayern and Newcastle United.
Manchester United were expected to enter the running having tracked Olise for months but have so far chosen to try to strengthen other areas of the squad with moves underway for centre-backs Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro — at Everton and Lille respectively — in addition to Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
United’s decision to prioritise those deals has given other clubs a chance to pounce and a source has told ESPN that Olise has now indicated a willingness to join Bayern.
Olise has so far resisted attempts from Palace to sign a new contract and the two clubs are now attempting to finalise an agreement.
The winger scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 19 appearances last season.
Chelsea failed with a move to sign Olise last summer and have already moved on to other targets, entering into talks with Aston Villa for forward Omari Kellyman.
The 18-year-old has only been at Villa for one season having joined the club from Derby in 2022 but Chelsea are willing to pay in the region of £19 million ($24m).
