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      Man Utd wonderkid Shola Shoretire, 17, is the ‘next Jadon Sancho’ and snubbed Barcelona and Juventus to sign new deal

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      THE buzz around Shola Shoretire extended far beyond Old Trafford.
      The Manchester United wonderkid, 17, was being courted by the likes of European giants Barcelona and Juventus before he reportedly signed his first professional deal.

      Shola Shoretire has reportedly signed a professional deal with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      There was talk last year that the promising youngster had already signed a pre-contract to turn professional with the club when he was just 16.
      His rapid ascension through the youth ranks has got some Old Trafford big-wigs purring that the Nigerian-born star could be the answer to the club’s problems out wide after missing out on Jadon Sancho.
      The skilful attacker’s game has also been compared to African football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, who graced Premier League pitches with Bolton Wanderers in the early 2000s.
      WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?
      The diminutive teen, comfortable with both feet, can play out wide and through the middle.

      It’s testament to his ability that United are already confident he has the ability to succeed at the highest level by eyeing him for a deal before he turned 17.
      Shoretire joined Manchester United’s youth set up at the age of 10 from Newcastle, and has blossomed since his arrival.
      In last season’s FA Youth Cup, he fired United into the semi-final scoring at Old Trafford in the 2-1 defeat of Wigan Athletic.
      Incredibly, earlier that day he was studying for his GCSEs at school.

      “He was at school today, all day! Then he came over to Old Trafford to play,” Under-18 coach Neil Ryan revealed.
      “It’s incredible really. Different day for him compared to other players.”

      Shoretire is one of a number of promising United youngsters coming through the ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Blessed with quick feet, Shoretire has been likened to Jay-Jay OkochaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE HISTORY
      Shoretire appeared at the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland at the age of 13 in 2017. And in 2019 he made history.
      Aged just 14 years and 314 days he came on as a sub in United’s 2-1 win over Valencia, and became the  youngest player to appear in the UEFA Youth League – a competition reserved for Under-19 teams.
      “We want to keep them humble, hard-working,” Ryan explained.
      “It’s not just the coaching staff who do that, there are a number of staff throughout the academy, right throughout the place, feeding the same messages. It’s what we pride ourselves on.
      “When you see the professionalism of the likes of Marcus Rashford, he’s the shining example. Scott McTominay, so on. These boys are products of the academy and the staff who work with them. They are our examples.
      “Good players can enjoy the big stage. [Shoretire] is a really exciting player. He’s evolving and developing, can play a number of different positions, he showed a great maturity I thought.”

      In 2019 Shoretire made history as the youngest ever Uefa Youth League playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire was born in NigeriaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire celebrates scoring at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup against WiganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      NIGERIA OR ENGLAND?
      With the stage set, Shoretire has a good chance in joining first teamers Rashford and McTominay if he plays his cards right – with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer alerted to his ability.
      And then, surely, international honours could follow.

      Although he was born in Africa, Shoretire has been invited to join England’s youth set-up in the past.
      At the age of 16, with the world at its feet, decisions on who he could represent can wait for now.
      But his first step is to conquer United.

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      Man Utd kid Joe Hugill, 17, is 6ft 2in striker likened to Harry Kane and tipped by Solskjaer to play in the first team

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      MESSI, Salah, Maradona… Joe Hugill is in good company.
      Like those star forwards, the Manchester United wonderkid is blessed with a magical left foot capable of hurting the opposition.

      Joe Hugill scored the winning penalty – with his right foot – against Rochdale in the EFL TrophyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It’s one reason why the Red Devils paid Sunderland £300,000 for the 17-year-old in 2020.
      Hugill impressed earlier this season with United’s U21 team in an EFL Trophy win over Rochdale, coming close when he hit the woodwork and scoring the winning penalty (with his right foot) in a shootout after the sides drew 0-0 after 90 minutes.
      The 6ft 2in star showed he is a capable target man – as comfortable receiving the ball on the deck as he is leaping for a long ball in the air.
      And boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has now revealed Hugill is closer to a first team start than £36million signing Amad Diallo, after dazzling with four goals in a 6-3 win over Liverpool for the U23 side.

      Asked whether Diallo was pushing for his chance, the Norwegian responded: “We’re going to give him the time to settle in.
      “If we go from that game [vs Liverpool], I’d pick Joe Hugill.
      “Four goals by Hugill, he’s a top striker as well, we’re looking forward to seeing his development.”
      Here’s why the Old Trafford hierarchy moved quick to secure Hugill’s services, beating off competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.

      A TRUE MACKEM
      Born and bred in Sunderland, Hugill spent his entire youth career at his boyhood club.
      In recent years, the Black Cats have produced an incredible array of talent.
      England goalie Jordan Pickford and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson have risen to the top after coming through the ranks in the North East.
      Josh Maja made waves in the Sunderland first team before he was signed by Bordeaux, where he thrived in France before joining Fulham in the most recent transfer window.

      Hugill was born and bred in Sunderland

      Last summer United paid Sunderland £300,000 for Hugill’s servicesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And Sam Greenwood earned rave reviews for Arsenal’s youth sides, after joining the Gunners in 2018 from the EFL League One side, and recently earned a £3million move to Leeds United.
      Like those mentioned, Hugill shone at the ‘Academy of Light’, playing for both the U18s and U23s.
      TECHNICALLY SOUND
      First thing you’ll notice about Hugill’s game is his touch.
      When the ball is played to feet it sticks, and he’s able to bring others into the game with his link-up play.
      But there’s also goals to his game too.
      On his Premier League 2 debut, with Sunderland rock bottom of the table, he scored twice against West Ham in a 4-2 defeat.
      Hugill also scored a hat-trick against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Youth Cup – alerting scouts to his abilities.

      At 6ft 2in Hugill offers a presence in the boxCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hugill boasts similarities to Harry KaneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hugill impressed in the EFL Trophy win over RochdaleCredit: Rex Features
      Although more slight in build, he has been compared to England hotshot Harry Kane in terms of his style of play.
      He’s not blessed with pace, but he certainly knows where the goal is.
      UNITED’S YOUTH PUSH
      Hugill is seen as one for the future by Nicky Butt, now head of first team development, but was formerly overseeing their youth set-up.

      The graduate of the ‘Class of ’92’ oversaw the arrivals of Tahith Chong, Charlie McCann, France youth stars Aliou Traore and Hannibal Mejbri, Arnau Puigmal, and Largie Ramazani in that role, until Nick Cox took over the reigns last year.
      And with his recommendation, Hugill was added to that list of promising youngsters.
      Perhaps the class of 2020 can be just as impressive as Beckham, the Nevilles, Scholes and Co in years to come.

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      Man Utd star Axel Tuanzebe’s amazing journey, from arriving from Congo aged 4 to captaining Red Devils at every level

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      THE story of how Manchester United star Axel Tuanzebe achieved his dream to play for the Premier League giants is truly inspiring.
      When he was just four, his parents left Congo for the UK in search of a better life for their family.

      Axel Tuanzebe’s remarkable rise is a story of courage and determinationCredit: Rex Features

      They settled in Rochdale, where a young Axel was unable to speak a word of English.
      However, the ambitious youngster was determined to make something of his life and support his family.
      He pushed himself through school, but his dream was to become a professional footballer – ever since he joined United’s Academy at the tender age of eight.
      Last October against PSG in the Champions League, Tuanzebe, now 23, produced a coming-of-age performance and kept Kylian Mbappe at bay.

      He is a man on a mission to succeed at Old Trafford.
      EARLY LIFE
      Tuanzebe was born in Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but moved to England when his parents emigrated to the north.
      Football became his passion. Soon he was scouted by Manchester United and joined their youth set-up – just four years after arriving on our shores.
      Despite rising through the ranks at youth level, education was still very important to Tuanzebe, who understood he couldn’t just rely on his football.

      He attended St Cuthbert’s RC High School, where he captained the Year 7 football team to the final of the English National Schools Cup at Stamford Bridge in 2009

      Tuanzebe joined the Manchester United academy aged 8 after arriving from Congo four years earlierCredit: Instagram
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      That achievement earned the boy acknowledgement from the Mayor of Rochdale, who honoured him with a Sports Boy of the Year award.
      Tuanzebe was reportedly a model student and when it came to his exams, he passed his GCSE’s with flying colours with A grades.
      But his academic pursuits would take a back seat as his football took centre stage.
      A REAL LEADER
      In 2019, Tuanzebe achieved a remarkable feat.
      When he stepped out for United against Rochdale in a League Cup victory over Rochdale, he was wearing the captain’s armband – ahead of more experienced stars including Paul Pogba, Sergio Romero, Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard.
      Not only did he become the youngest player to captain the side since Norman Whiteside in 1985, aged 21.
      He also capped off a wonderful run of captaining Manchester United at EVERY single age level he’s played at.

      In 2019 Tuanzebe led his Manchester United team mates out as captain in a League Cup tie against RochdaleCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Incredibly, Tuanzebe has captained Man Utd at every level he has played atCredit: AFP or licensors
      “Axel is a captain in the making, he’s a leader – why not give to young kids,” boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer later revealed to TalkSport after the game.
      “We know we can give it to Sergio and we can give it to Paul, that’s no problem and they’ve been captains before.
      “But it was Axel today and how does he handle it? He was absolutely fine, he enjoyed it.
      “It’s just a way of telling him that we trust him.”
      COMING OF AGE
      After breaking into the United first team, making his debut against Wigan in a 4-0 FA Cup victory in 2017, he started his first senior match in a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal four months later.
      But with chances limited, Tuanzebe was sent on loan to Aston Villa, where he became a promotion hero in 2019.
      He returned to Old Trafford – expected to push for a first team spot. A series of niggling injuries put pay to a limited run in the team, and he played just ten times in all competitions in 2019-20.

      Tuanzebe was a promotion hero for Dean Smiths Aston VillaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Tuanzebe enjoyed a coming of age performance against PSG and didn’t give Kylian Mbappe an inchCredit: AFP or licensors
      However, it was on the biggest stage where he proved his undeniable quality.
      Faced with superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, Tuanzebe put on his best display in a Manchester United shirt – as the Red Devils shocked PSG to win 2-1 in a Champions League game.
      After the match, Solskjaer said: “We know that when you go away against a team like this, against players like Neymar and Mbappe, top, top players in the world, we know we have to defend well.
      “We know David De Gea will have to make a few saves. Sometimes you’ll get in a foot race with Mbappe and you’ll have to run with him and we know Axel’s qualities – he’s a top defender.
      “First game in, I don’t know, 10 months or something, which is just testament to the quality he has.”
      HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS
      Being a gifted footballer isn’t Tuanzebe’s only claim to fame. After all, he features in the Guinness Book of World Records.
      In 2018 he joined his Manchester United team-mates on a pre-season tour in Los Angeles.
      There he was asked to take part in a game of Hungry Hippos for fun.

      Tuanzebe is not just a upcoming footballing star, but also holds a Guinness World Record in Hungry Hippos gameCredit: Instagram @roshaunwilliams

      The Hungry Hippos game is a favourite pastime for many young children, where players have to swallow as many marbles as possible using their hippoCredit: Amazon
      He finished it in just 17.37 seconds – managing to record a world record at the same time.
      For those who missed out on the famous game as a child, it features four hippos in a circle with a handful of balls in the middle.
      Players each choose a hippo and need to use it to collect as many marbles as possible before they are all taken.
      ENGLAND STAR IN THE MAKING
      Although Tuanzebe is still eligible to play for Congo, it appears likely that he will choose to represent England.
      He began his international career in 2017, starring for the Three Lions U17 side against Mexico.
      That same year, Tuanzebe was a part of the U20 side that won all three matches at the Four Nations tournament.

      Tuanzebe is an England youth international, but could still turn out for the country of his birth, DR CongoCredit: Rex Features

      Now 23, Tuanzebe is ready to push for a place in United’s first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In 2017, his rapid ascension at international level continued when he was capped by the U21 side against Ukraine.
      Gareth Southgate has been monitoring Tuanzebe closely, and should he get a sustained run in the United side he might just partner his United team mate Harry Maguire at the heart of England’s defence.
      That would be the icing on the cake for his astonishing rise.

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      Schalke’s Matthew Hoppe, 19, is first American to score Bundesliga hat-trick and was schooled at Barcelona’s US academy

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      THAT’S one way to announce yourself.
      On January 9, Matthew Hoppe did something no other American had done before him in the Bundesliga.

      Matthew Hoppe, 19, is the first American to score a hat-trick in the BundesligaCredit: Reuters

      Hoppe is congratulated by Arsenal loanee Sead Kolasinac in Schalke’s 4-0 win over Hoffenheim – their first win in nearly a YEARCredit: Reuters

      And that’s counting the likes of forwards Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Eric Wynalda, Landon Donovan and Clint Mathis, who all established themselves in German football.
      Hoppe, just 19, became the first player born in the USA to score a hat-trick in German’s top flight – netting three in Schalke’s 4-0 demolition of Hoffenheim.
      Incredibly, the 6ft 3in target man only made his senior debut a month prior to his record-breaking goalscoring exploits.
      But clearly Hoppe has a bright future ahead of him – one that could’ve been with Barcelona.

      UNIVERSITY? NO THANKS
      In 2019, Schalke gambled on the powerfully built forward by offering him a trial.
      At the time, he was training with Barcelona in Arizona – where the Catalans have a US academy that offers the same level of coaching as at La Masia.
      He had scored 29 goals in 23 games in 2018-19, and was accepted for a place at San Diego University.
      After impressing coaches, Hoppe was offered a youth contract and the youngster decided to turn his back on his education and moved to Germany.

      Schalke signed Hoppe in 2019Credit: Reuters

      USA teen Hoppe learned his skills at Barcelona’s US academy in Arizona

      DREAM START
      Hoppe could not have imagined he would’ve got a chance to shine so soon for Schalke.
      But with the club winless for almost a YEAR and rooted to the bottom of the Bundesliga, they really had no other option.
      They had also sacked Vedad Ibisevic in November, Goncalo Paciencia suffered a knee injury and Welsh youngster Rabbi Matondo, 20, failed to find his feet and was loaned to Stoke City.
      Hoppe was thrown in at the deep end – making his debut against Borussia Monchengladbach in a 4-1 defeat in November.
      Then, former Tottenham boss Christian Gross took over the reigns at Schalke (the club’s fourth coach this season) and pinned his faith in the promising talent.
      After three appearances from the bench, Hoppe started the next two under the Swiss manager.
      And he came alive in the second – netting three times in that Hoffenheim demolition, which ended an astonishing run of 30 games without a win.
      [embedded content]

      In only his second start Hoppe was in prolific form for Schalke netting three timesCredit: AFP

      Hoppe himself was left speechless by his own achievementCredit: Reuters

      At the full-time whistle, Hoppe was speechless in the post-match interview.
      “I have no words,” he exclaimed before drawing a huge gulp of breath and exhaling.
      It’s left Schalke fans full of Hoppe for the future.

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      Dario Sarmiento, 17, has been dubbed ‘mini Messi’ in Argentina and Man City want transfer deal completed when he is 18

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      ALEJANDRO ‘Alex’ Sabella was known in England for his spells with Sheffield United and Leeds.
      Back home in Argentina he had a special relationship with Estudiantes.

      Estudiantes talent Dario Sarmiento reportedly has an agreement with Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Argentina legend Alejandro Sabella told Sarmiento he had potential to be a big starCredit: AFP

      He played for the club in La Plata, an hour outside Buenos Aires, and he later coached them with great success, winning the South American title and coming close to beating Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in the final of the Club World Cup.
      After taking Argentina to the final of Brazil 2014, he kept a connection going with Estudiantes.
      And a few months before his recent untimely death, Sabella sought out a slightly built teenager who was making his first appearances in the Argentine league.
      Sabella got on his knees in front of Dario Sarmiento, and told him that he had the potential to be a big star.

      WANTED BY PEP
      Manchester City would seem to agree.
      They cannot take the player across the Atlantic just yet – Sarmiento does not turn 18 until March.
      But they have been tracking him for a while, and negotiating with Estudiantes since the middle of last year.
      The president of Estudiantes is former midfield star Juan Sebastian Veron.  In a recent chat with the local media, Veron was anxiously looking forward to counting the money.

      “The club will make sure of receiving a very important quantity,” he said, with his vice Martin Gorostegui adding that a general agreement has been reached with City.
      “There is a fixed sum,” he said – reported to be a little less than £10 million – “and other payments depending on a number of items.  If the deal goes through, that’s how it will be.”
      The sums involved are considerable for a player with a handful of first team appearances and no goals.

      A £10m fee has been suggested for 17-year-old SarmientoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      [embedded content]
      But, as Veron said, “what’s happening with Sarmiento is a bet on his future.” Judges such as Alejandro Sabella and Man City’s coaching staff seem convinced that it is a bet worth taking.
      LEFT-FOOTER LIKE MESSI
      The reason for the fuss is that they have seen something that – in terms of style and potential – cannot fail to bring comparisons with Lionel Messi. 
      Sarmiento is a little left footer, so fresh faced and youthful that he looks a little like the kid member of a boy band.
      The ball is tied to his left foot. But, like the teenage Messi, he is much more than a head down, world of his own dribbling specialist.
      He sees what is happening around him, and can look up and stretch the play with intelligent diagonal passes.
      To possess such a skill set at so young an age – to be able to make an impact in the Argentine first division while he was still 16 – these are signs of rare promise.
      But there is, of course, a long and winding road between promise and reality. Sarmiento’s path has already been interrupted by the pandemic.
      LONG ROAD AHEAD
      Football in Argentina shut down between mid March and the end of October.

      Sarmiento has been compared to Lionel MessiCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      With bags of potential, Sarmiento is expected to be the next big thing to come out of Argentina Credit: Icon Sport – Getty

      Lionel Messi moved to Barcelona’s La Mesia academy when he was 13
      When it was time to restart, Sarmiento seemed to have gained a few pounds. 
      Having time on his hands may have been difficult. Living up to stratospheric expectations will be harder still.
      Messi, of course, came to Barcelona at the age of 13.
      He went through his entire adolescence in the city, finding his identity as a player and as a person.

      Sarmiento looks set to make the move five years later, between adolescence and adulthood – at a much more delicate time.
      And rather than the stability of growing up in a single city, he will probably be loaned around to gain experience – or possibly to lose his way. 
      Or maybe, hopefully, to prove himself worthy of having Alejandro Sabella at his knees.

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      Chelsea wonderkid Charlie Webster, 16, has been labelled the ‘next Jadon Sancho’ and amazed Kevin De Bruyne in KDB Cup

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      THE future’s bright if you’re a Chelsea fan.
      The Blues were enjoying the emergence a number of youth products in their first team earlier this year before coronavirus turned the world upside down.

      Chelsea wonderkid Charlie Webster is wanted by Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tammy Abraham came of age last season, Reece James showed his mettle, Fikayo Tomori revealed his potential, and Billy Gilmour even had the hard-to-please Roy Keane singing his praises.
      And now, there’s another name you can add to the list of youngsters hoping to get their chance under Frank Lampard.
      England’s Charlie Webster, 16, is a rising star at Stamford Bridge, and is already wanted by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
      That’s why he’s been dubbed the ‘next Jadon Sancho’.

      MAKING AN IMPRESSION
      Last year, at just 15, Webster had Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne wowed by his ability.
      The setting was the prestigious KDB Cup – an international U15 tournament named after the Belgium ace – with the midfielder as the guest of honour.
      Players from clubs including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG were on show – all desperate to impress.
      It was Chelsea that ended up being victorious – beating Racing Genk on penalties after an exciting 2-2 draw.

      Star of the show was Webster, and his performances didn’t go unnoticed.

      Blues starlet Webster has been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’

      Webster starred at the KDB Cup in 2019

      He was awarded player of the tournament – winning a golden ball, as well as a signed De Bruyne shirt.
      One feels it could be the first of many awards headed Webster’s way in the future.
      A CULTURED MIDFIELDER
      In similar vein to Billy Gilmour, Webster is a cultured midfielder – good on the ball and smart in possession.
      However, unlike the Scot who prefers to dictate play from deep – Webster likes to get in the box and score goals.
      He started playing football at the Pezzaz Street Soccer academy, which have bases in Wiltshire and Hampshire, before joining Chelsea in 2016 at the age of 12.
      Coaches there believe he has a bright future in the game, and in the past Webster has spoken about his football dream.
      “Obviously, it’s to play for this brilliant club,” he told a reporter at the KDB Cup after starring for the Blues.

      Webster is a cultured midfielder, good on the ball and in possession

      In the past Webster has said it was his dream to play for “brilliant” ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      LEADING BY EXAMPLE
      Webster’s qualities have seen him earmarked as a leader.
      Last year, he captained England’s U16 team in a match against Republic of Ireland – scoring his first international goal.

      He’s also played for the Three Lions’ U17s – coming off the bench in a 4-1 rout over the USA back in February.
      And that was the same month Webster made his U18 Premier League debut for Chelsea against Southampton.
      With Lampard giving the kids a go and with fixtures coming thick and fast this year, it might not be long before Webster gets the opportunity to impress at first team level.

      Webster has captained England at U16 level

      Webster might get his opportunity in the Chelsea first team under boss Frank Lampard

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      Reading’s £40m rated Michael Olise, 18, was released by Chelsea but now is transfer target of top Premier League clubs

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      HE’S only 18, but already Michael Olise is playing with a maturity beyond his years.
      Since making his debut in 2019, the attacking midfielder who can play out wide has come on leaps and bounds for Reading in the Championship.

      Michael Olise is blossoming into one of the best players outside of the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex Features

      Blossoming under the tutelage of Serbian boss Veljko Paunović, his delivery has been his standout attribute as the French U18 international has come of age.
      His form has helped The Royals rise to third in the table, while a host of Premier League club scouts are monitoring Olise closely.
      Wolves were said to have failed in a bid to bring him to Molineux in the summer, and they might just regret that now.
      It’s been said, he could now fetch £30m-£40m in the transfer market, should a Premier League giant want to swoop on the promising talent.

      CITY AND CHELSEA WILL BE KICKING THEMSELVES
      Premier League clubs have had their opportunities with Olise.
      He trained with Chelsea – who currently boast a very competitive academy – until he was released.
      There was also a spell at Manchester City, but that failed to bring anything more concrete for the youngster.

      The French U18 international has attracted interest from Premier League sides including WolvesCredit: Rex Features

      A price tag of £30m-£40m has been placed on Olise’s headCredit: Rex Features

      Olise was once on the books of Chelsea and Manchester CityCredit: Instagram
      In 2016, Reading took him on – and within three years he made his debut against Leeds United.

      But it’s this season he’s grown into one of the most talked about footballers outside the top flight.
      STARRING IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
      Over the weekend, Olise put on another swashbuckling display in Reading’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
      His superb cross for Michael Morrison’s 53rd-minute goal to make it 2-0 was his fourth assist of the season – joint second in the Championship.
      It was from his cross also in the 16th minute that led to Brice Samba flapping to allow Holmes to head the ball which led to Ryan Yates handling on the line and being sent off with Lucas Joao converting from the spot.
      Former Reading defender Matt Mills said: “For a player of that age and quality, you’ve got to say he’s worth £30m-£40m now.” 
      With the transfer window opening in January, there’s no doubt Olise will attract interest.

      With four assists this campaign, Olise has progressed nicely since his debut in 2019Credit: Rex Features

      Olise has matured this season adding quality in his delivery to his gameCredit: Rex Features

      Teenager Olise has won the praise of Reading boss Veljko Paunović this campaignCredit: Instagram
      BOSS APPRAISAL
      His manager Paunović was full of praise for the teenager’s performance against Forest.
      “Yes, he’s very talented,” he said. “In Michael we have seen a lot of progress this year. He is getting more minutes and competition and surrounded by a very good team – a group of leaders.

      “Experienced guys and younger ones are supporting him, providing him with a structure and the way we play enables him to shine in games like today.
      “But we also know with young players it’s about getting the consistency and maturity to compete on the same level in every single game.
      “That’s something that will come over time and we’ll enjoy his talent when he is at his best delivering for the team.”

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