Cole Palmer ‘close’ to Man Utd transfer

Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer was reportedly “close” to joining Manchester United during his time in Manchester City’s academy.

The England international, who moved to Stamford Bridge for €47 million in 2023, has established himself as one of the world’s best players since leaving Pep Guardiola’s side, but he could’ve been playing for Man Utd if things had turned out differently.

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That is according to academy coach Colin Little, who told the Talk of the Devils podcast: “I know Cole Palmer’s family quite well.

“I know his dad and his uncle, and we were close to getting Cole Palmer when he was about 16, believe it or not. He was umming and ahhing and I knew he was a big United fan. He was at that age where you’re allowed to leave, 16 is it?

“And they were umming and ahhing, Manchester City, about it. I think in the end Manchester City made him a good enough offer. But really, he was always a Manchester United fan and it was close anyway, I remember speaking.”

Little continued: “I think City needed to show him a bit more love and that kind of stuff. We never quite got it over the line but it would have been nice if we did, wouldn’t it?”

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Cole Palmer to leave Chelsea?

Palmer has scored 39 goals and provided 22 assists in 78 appearances for Chelsea and although his current deal with the Blues doesn’t expire until 2032, he has been tipped to leave the club if they are unable to secure Champions League qualification.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher is among those who believe Palmer could leave Enzo Maresca’s side unless they are able to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition.

The Englishman has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €119 million – the 10th highest in world football – and Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring his situation in west London.