Manchester United have ruled out a blockbuster summer move for Cole Palmer. Express Sport understands United bosses have concluded that pursuing the England and Chelsea star is not among their main objectives for next season. Palmer is said to be growing restless at Chelsea after a tumultuous season with the struggling Blues.
The attacking midfielder has endured a significant drop in form, raising questions about his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad. Palmer is keen to play in the Champions League next season and would welcome a move to United, who have already secured a return to UEFA’s top competition.
Manchester-born Palmer grew up as a United supporter before joining Manchester City and has been impressed with the team’s recent resurgence under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.
However, United have other areas of their squad to strengthen for next season, with Bruno Fernandes in particular performing brilliantly in the number 10 role.
Signing Palmer, who celebrated his 24th birthday earlier this week, would be difficult for United to justify from a financial perspective. Palmer’s existing £150,000-a-week contract runs until 2033, and almost all high-level transfers come with a significant pay rise.
United are aware that signing Palmer from Premier League rivals Chelsea would set their transfer fee back to around £90m.
United spent around £210m last summer to overhaul their attacking options, bringing in Benjamin Sesco, Matheus Cunha and Brian Mbeumo. All three are essential players for Carrick.
United are confident that captain Fernandes will stay, but Marcus Rashford’s future remains uncertain and he could still return to Old Trafford this summer if a permanent move to Barcelona is not finalised.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to sign two central midfielders and two defenders this summer. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are set to leave United, while injured centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is also a candidate for departure.
And United privately admitted that Palmer was an expensive luxury the club did not need and could not afford.
