“If only he had Austrian origins” - Ralf Rangnick lavishes praise on ‘exceptional’ Chelsea transfer target
Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has heaped praise on Chelsea transfer target Michael Olise. Rangnick is currently the manager of Austria, whose side are set to take on France on Monday, June 17.
Olise enjoyed a pretty impressive season in Crystal Palace colors last time out and has emerged as a target for several top clubs across Europe. As per reports, Chelsea are leading the race to sign the Frenchman, although the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich have also been linked with the winger.
Despite his exploits in the Premier League last season, Olise failed to make the cut as Didier Deschamps overlooked him while naming his France squad for the Euros. Ahead of Austria's fixture against France, Ralf Rangnick singled out the Crystal Palace attacker for praise.
The former Manchester United manager hailed the Frenchman's technique, pace and creativity as well as his work ethic. Rangnick said, as quoted by Get Football News France:
“He has never been called up by France but I love Michael Olise. If only he had Austrian origins! He is an exceptional player: he is quick, a strong dribbler, technically gifted and he works when he loses the ball. Whenever I saw him play, he had a smile on his face. I am not unhappy that Deschamps didn’t call him up.”
Olise only featured 19 times for Crystal Palace last season and had an impressive output of 10 goals and six assists. The 22-year-old has been widely linked with a switch to Chelsea and looks set for a bright future.
Despite his exceptional showings, Olise is yet to earn his first senior call-up for France. Les Bleus' manager Didier Deschamps, however, cannot be blamed as he has no shortage of options in any position.
Chelsea reject Liverpool's approach for defender: Reports
Chelsea have reportedly rebuffed interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool in their prized asset Levi Colwill. As claimed by HITC Sport via Caught Offside, the Blues have made it abundantly clear that the versatile defender is not for sale.
Colwill only made his debut for Chelsea last season having come through the club's youth ranks. He previously enjoyed two productive loan spells with Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion.
The England international is capable of playing either as a centre-back or as a left-back and made 32 appearances last season. However, it is understood that the left-footed centre-back wants to play in his natural centre-back position on a regular basis.