Leeds United have been linked to a move for Reading midfielder Michael Olise but they face fierce competition from new favourites Crystal Palace, according to the print edition Sunday Mirror (via HITC). The Eagles are now reportedly leading the race to sign the rising French talent after the Whites initially had a bid rejected in the summer.

Olise has had an impressive season in the Championship so far, notching four goals and seven assists in 20 appearances, as per Transfermarkt. These are the types of numbers that Leeds are crying out for in their engine room, after their return to the Premier League has somewhat exposed their lack of creativity.

Olise would be an ideal fit for Leeds

Even with their successful summer transfer window, Leeds are still relying mainly on Patrick Bamford to find the back of the net. Raphinha and Rodrigo have been stepping up a lot more recently, but Marcelo Bielsa still has a rather weak attacking set up.

If the club reignites their interest in Olise, he could be the ideal January recruit to support Bamford going forward. The French youth international would take the place of forgotten midfielder Adam Forshaw, who last appeared for the Whites back in 2019. He has been out of action with a hip injury and in fact, has just two assists to his name for his entire Leeds career.

Forshaw's contract runs out in 2022 and it looks unlikely that the club will offer him a new deal given his poor match fitness. Plus, he is 29-years-old and Leeds would likely benefit from signing someone much younger. Indeed, teenage sensation Olise has shown how he could be a great asset for Bielsa after seriously impressing his Championship peers.

Earlier this year, Reading striker Sam Baldock lauded his attacking teammate as a "real talent" after he started to really make a name for himself at the Madejski.

Victor Orta must consider placing another bid for the £40m-rated midfielder before he, inevitably, is snapped up by another Premier League side.

In other news, Kemar Roofe form will have Victor Orta kicking himself...