'A very good player' - Three Lions boss confirms 2021 Super Eagles invitee is on England's radar 

Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate has revealed that England will be keeping a close eye on 2021 Super Eagles invitee Michael Olise, following his snub from the France national team for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.

Despite his impressive form for Crystal Palace, which saw him score 10 goals and provide 6 assists in just 19 league matches, Olise was surprisingly left out of both the France and England squads for the European Championship.

However, Southgate has acknowledged Olise's qualities, labeling him a "very good player", and hinted that England might be interested in recruiting him should he decide to switch his international allegiance.

Olise, born in London to a Nigerian father and French-Algerian mother, remains eligible to represent both England and Nigeria, having been capped by France at youth international level.

However, his omission from the France squad has opened up the possibility of him switching to represent the country of his birth or Nigeria.

Southgate admitted that any switch in international allegiance would be a lengthy process, requiring a transfer of association.

He suggested that France may instead opt to select Olise for their Olympic team, while also keeping the door open for England to recruit him in the future.

He would have to have a transfer of association. That process would take quite a while," Southgate was quoted as saying by The Standard.

"He is obviously a very good player, he hasn't made their squad. They might be taking him to the Olympics, I don't know.

"He is a player we should have an interest in because he is a very good player but there is no way you could do all of that in time for the Euros." 

Olise's domestic form has continued to impress, and Southgate's comments indicate that England are ready to pounce should the player decide his international future lies with the country of his birth.

Nigeria is also an interesting option for the talented winger, who has been advised by his compatriots in the West African nation to represent the Super Eagles. 

Ejim Kaycee

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