Manchester United are eyeing late January transfer moves as Chelsea star Cole Palmer's name emerges as a candidate to move to Old Trafford
Cole Palmer celebrates Chelsea's FIFA Club World Cup triumph
Chelsea star Cole Palmer is reportedly open to joining rivals Manchester United(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
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Just days are left in the transfer window as Manchester United aim to maintain their excellent run of form under Michael Carrick. The club invested over £200million in rebuilding their attack last summer but could still complete deals before the market closes again.
A record of two victories from as many matches under interim manager Carrick has significantly boosted morale at Old Trafford. Yet sustaining that progress may depend on whether the new boss possesses the necessary resources to restore United to the top level.
Reports of interest in Chelsea star Cole Palmer may have surfaced too late for United to sign him this month. Nevertheless, supporters will be thrilled to discover the England midfielder is reportedly prepared to entertain such a switch.
His potential arrival could prove especially well-timed as a certain key player in the current United squad considers his future. examines the latest rumblings around the club as time runs down to the January deadline.
Cole Palmer 'willing' to consider United switch
A Manchester return could be on the horizon for Wythenshawe-born Palmer in a transfer few would have anticipated. The Sun has reported Palmer is "open" to joining United nearly three years after his remarkable £42.5m departure from Manchester City.
It's widely recognised that Palmer grew up supporting United and regularly attended matches at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, he could experience a vastly different Old Trafford atmosphere should his next visit come as a home player.
The Sun reported Palmer feels homesick and frequently returns to his hometown to see family and friends. This situation could work in United's favour, particularly given the additional factor that he wouldn't contemplate re-joining City, where he failed to establish himself in the first team.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates after with Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea scores a goal to make it 1-2 during the UEFA Conference League Final 2025 between Real Betis Balompie and Chelsea
Palmer has confessed he was a Manchester United fan as a child(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
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United officials Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada might also utilise their previous connections with Palmer to push through a transfer. Wilcox previously oversaw City's academy while Palmer was progressing through their system, while Berrada headed their football operations during a similar timeframe.
When reflecting on his childhood heroes in 2024, Palmer identified a particular Old Trafford legend as his inspiration: "Wayne Rooney. I was a United fan when I was younger, and I used to watch him all the time."
Bruno Fernandes might be departing Old Trafford this summer following reports that Saudi clubs are renewing their interest in securing his signature. This would leave a gap in the No. 10 role, where Palmer has flourished since joining the Blues in summer 2023.
Regarding Premier League replacements, few candidates are better than Palmer. The player has been hampered by a groin problem that has limited him to just 11 league outings this season, while Enzo Maresca's departure as manager may also influence his belief that his stint in west London could be drawing to a close.
Meite fee revealed
One emerging talent set to generate significant attention this summer is Rennes striker Mohamed Kader Meite. Although the 18-year-old is believed to be on the radar of Saudi giants Al-Hilal, United are reportedly looking to hijack any approach.
It wouldn't prove too costly either, with reports suggesting a £26m fee would be sufficient to secure a deal this month. United previously appeared short of natural striker options during Benjamin Sesko's injury lay-off, and Meite could represent a valuable project player having impressed in Ligue 1.
The teenage prospect has netted three goals and provided two assists in 17 Ligue 1 appearances this season. This includes a crucial goal and assist during a 3-1 victory over French giants Lyon earlier in the campaign.
Rennes' French forward #39 Mohamed Kader Meite (R) fights for the ball with Toulouse's Norwegian midfielder #15 Aron Donnum during the French L1 football match between Toulouse FC and Stade Rennais
Rennes youngster Mohamed Kader Meite looks likely to attract major interest this summer(Image: ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)
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French selectors have also taken note, with the 6'4" Meite already earning his debut for France's under-21 side despite still being in his teens. There's a growing belief the player won't remain at Roazhon Park much longer as clubs begin to show interest.
United are unlikely to match the salary package that Al-Hilal might offer as they seek to sign a future star. Nevertheless, the career opportunities are far superior at Old Trafford, where he could team up with fellow French speakers Leny Yoro, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad.