Cole Palmer and Liam Delap have both made the switch from Man City to Chelsea, but London rivals Tottenham almost got there first.
David Pleat is a former Tottenham manager turned consultant scout who has unearthed Premier League talents like Jermain Defoe, Robbie Keane and Dele Alli.
From 2010 up until quite recently, Pleat has been a key figure in Spurs recruitment, a trusted voice in ex-chairman Daniel Levy’s ear.
He has recently recounted a rather wild almost-move for two of England’s brightest young stars just a couple of seasons ago, when Spurs were deciding on the future of Harry Kane. Two stars, Palmer and Delap, who now ply their trade at Stamford Bridge.
Harry Kane and Cole Palmer shake hands on the England bench.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Daniel Levy told to get Cole Palmer and Liam Delap in return for Harry Kane
As Kane was figuring out his next move, he was attracting interest from plenty of places, including a Man City side just off a treble-winning season.
Talking to Sam Allardyce on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Pleat recalls what he said to Levy about a potential deal.
He said: “I told Daniel at the time, I remember I said, ‘If you get whatever you think is worth or you eventually agree, if you do agree, make sure you get two players from Man City from their academy, Delap and Palmer.’
“As part of the deal, well, it was obvious. It’s obvious. Listen, it’s not it’s not secret watching real quality. Sam knows, but it’s not a secret.”
The talent possessed by those two was no secret in scouting circles, and it’s not surprising that an experienced scout like Pleat would have clocked their quality.
Chelsea fans can be thankful for Kane’s decision to make the switch to Germany instead.
Cole Palmer alone would have been fair for Harry Kane
There’s no doubting Kane is one of the best players in the world right now, starting the season on a scintillating run of form and breaking records with his rate of goalscoring.
This season, Harry Kane reached 20 goals in just 12 games, which is faster than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo have ever managed in their careers 🤯
World beating numbers 📈⚽️ pic.twitter.com/tvcq6wVVkF
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 28, 2025
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A brace at Stamford Bridge a few weeks ago reminded Chelsea fans why they don’t like Kane.
But nine years younger and already a world-class talent — Chelsea may feel like the winners coming away with Palmer. No one could have expected this kind of rise for the City youngster who came to Stamford Bridge for just £40 million.
Sure, Kane is playing as well as anyone in Europe this season, and will continue to do so for the coming seasons, but Palmer’s current trajectory points to a career at the very top for the best part of the next decade.
Chelsea are missing Palmer’s presence as his injury persists, and look noticeably less exciting without him pulling the strings. Bayern can be happy with their purchase of Kane, and Chelsea can be eternally thankful this double-move never went through.