Cole Palmer has been linked with a potential summer move to Manchester United and it appears one of the Chelsea ace's close friends wants him to join the Red Devils
Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist
21:47, 18 Feb 2026
Cole Palmer of Chelsea reacts after missing a chance to score a last minute winning goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on February 10, 2026 in London, England.
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Cole Palmer was linked with a move to Manchester United in January(Image: 2026 Visionhaus)
A close friend of Cole Palmer has said he is trying to convince the Chelsea midfielder to join Manchester United.
Not long after Liam Rosenior was appointed as the Blues' head coach, there were rumours linking Palmer, 23, to Old Trafford. At the time, reports claimed the England international was feeling homesick and was longing to return to his hometown of Wythenshawe, near Manchester.
The links to United, who he supported as a child, were so intense, Rosenior had to use his press conference to insist Palmer was not going anywhere. He has a contract at Stamford Bridge which does not expire until 2033.
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However, it appears this will not stop his friend Tunde Olayinka from giving Palmer a United inspired charm offensive. He uploaded a picture of him and the Chelsea magician standing together while on holiday in Dubai.
In his caption, he said: "One day, I will get CP (Cole Palmer) to Utd, back home where he belongs. Go ask him who his favourite team is," alongside a Red Devil and football emoji.
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football.london understand Chelsea consider Palmer to be an "untouchable" player, who will not be available for any price. With Palmer's deal not expiring for another seven years, the Blues are in a position to demand whatever transfer fee they would like to any potential buyer.
Rosenior has also insisted Palmer's only focus is on life at Chelsea. In January, the Blues head coach said: "Is he untouchable, is he happy? Yes and yes.
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"It’s simple, Cole Palmer is an incredible player like many players in the group. Cole is here, he’s very happy and I can’t wait to see him back on the pitch.
"Our thoughts are on how we can make this team better, how he can improve and how I can help him. He loves being here and he wants to be a Chelsea player.”
After scoring a hat-trick in the 3-1 away victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, the ex-Manchester City ace also rubbished the rumours linking him with an exit. He said: "Everyone loves to chat rubbish, don't they?
Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux on February 07, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England
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Palmer hinted he is blocking out the noise when he scored a hat-trick against Wolves(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
"I don't pay too much attention to it. You see things. But I feel like I've come from a strong place anyway so I don't pay attention to it."
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When asked about Rosenior, he added: "Life under Liam is amazing, he gives us all confidence. Lets us be ourselves, play free. I'm sure when I'm back proper fit you'll see the best of me.
"Him and all the staff give us all confidence on the training pitch, with his strategies, the way we play... I really like it."
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