EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea have aggravated Crystal Palace in their pursuit of Michael Olise amid ‘tapping-up’ concerns, after Blues tabled a formal £35m bid which activates winger’s release clause
Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise’s proposed move to Chelsea is unfolding amid a backdrop of ‘tapping-up’ concerns, Mail Sport understands.
France Under-21 international Olise is a target for the big-spending Blues, who are understood to have submitted an offer that activates a complex release clause, understood to be in the region of £35million, in the attacker’s contract.
However, Chelsea’s interest in the winger has aggravated Palace officials, who believe the Stamford Bridge club have crossed the line in their conduct during their attempts to sign the player.
Multiple sources have told Mail Sport that Palace have communicated their grievances in an unofficial capacity to their Chelsea counterparts.
Nevertheless, the west London club have continued their pursuit to the point where they have now tabled a formal bid that they believe activates his release clause.
Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise’s proposed move to Chelsea is unfolding amid a backdrop of ‘tapping-up’ concerns
Chelsea’s American co-owner has splashed out nearly £1billion on players across three transfer windows
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino (pictured) is set to reinforce his attack with the addition of Olise
There are concerns at Palace that Chelsea’s potential swoop for Olise has contravened transfer rules and etiquette.
Sources have indicated the south London club have considered formally reporting their top-flight rivals for making an illegal approach, though whether they are prepared to take such a drastic step remains to be seen.
In the event of any formal action from Palace, Mail Sport understands that Chelsea are comfortable with the way they have conduct themselves in pursuit of Olise.
It is widely accepted within the football community that discussions between clubs and players often take place before the buying team register a formal approach for the footballer they are trying to purchase.
But in this instance, there is a sense at Palace that Chelsea have overstepped the mark.
Palace have worked hard to convince the forward to ignore Chelsea’s attempts and there was optimism that Olise, who is currently recovering from a long-term hamstring injury, would stay committed, at least in the short-term.
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson might have to dip back into the transfer market for a replacement
There are concerns at Palace that Chelsea’s potential swoop for Olise (pictured) has contravened transfer rules and etiquette
But it now looks increasingly likely that Olise will become the latest addition to Chelsea’s near £1bn spending spree.
In addition to discussions over Olise, Chelsea and Palace have also been collaborating over a loan move for Blues academy graduate Lewis Hall.
Hall was due to sign terms with Palace last week but that deal has since been delayed.
Chelsea and Crystal Palace have both been contacted for comment.
