Man Utd trump Liverpool as Chelsea plot swap deal and Arsenal eye double sale

By Matt Dunn

Roy Hodgson has described Michael Olise’s choice to snub Chelsea and signal a brand new four-year contract at Crystal Palace as a “red-letter” day for the membership.

The Palace boss stated: “It’s the best possible news we could have. The decision has been his.

“We’ve been involved, as one is anxious when a membership of Chelsea’s stature begin to take an curiosity in a participant and recommend {that a} transfer to them could be one of the best guess.

“I’ve always hoped that wouldn’t be the case and that Michael would realise that, at such a young age, his future here is very bright. We can help him move very quickly to another level.

“I had a long chat with him when the subject was first broached but that was in pre-season. I suggested that being at Crystal Palace would be the best option but I also made it clear I wouldn’t put him under unnecessary pressure.”