Manchester United have received a major boost in the transfer market following word of surprise interest in Cole Palmer
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
Cole Palmer is reportedly 'open' to leaving Chelsea for Manchester United(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
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Only days remain in the transfer window as Manchester United look to keep riding their wave of fine form under Michael Carrick. The club spent more than £200million rebuilding their front line last summer but could still conduct business before shutting up shop once more.
A return of two wins in as many outings under interim boss Carrick has lifted spirits around Old Trafford in a big way. However, maintaining that momentum could hinge on whether the new manager has the tools at his disposal to get United back in the big time.
News of interest in Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer might have emerged too late for the Red Devils to recruit him in January. However, fans will nonetheless be delighted to learn the England midfielder is allegedly willing to consider such a move.
His arrival could be particularly timely as a certain key figure among the current United squad weighs up his options. Mirror Football discusses the latest developments around the club as the countdown ticks away to the January deadline.
Cole Palmer 'open' to United move
A Manchester homecoming could be on the cards for Wythenshawe-born Palmer in a move few would have seen coming. The Sun has reported Palmer is "open" to considering United almost three years after his sensational £42.5m exit from Manchester City.
It's common knowledge Palmer grew up as a United fan and used to attend games at Old Trafford. However, he could get a very different Old Trafford experience if his next visit comes as a home player.
The Sun has suggested Palmer is homesick and regularly travels back to Wythenshawe to visit family and friends. This could play into United's favour, especially with the added detail he wouldn't consider re-joining City, where he struggled to break the first-team mould.
Cole Palmer celebrates Chelsea's FIFA Club World Cup triumph
Palmer has played a huge role in elevating Chelsea's prospects since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2023(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
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United executives Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada could also exploit their past links with Palmer to force through a move. Wilcox formerly led City's academy when Palmer was coming through the ranks, while Berrada led their football operations during a similar period.
When discussing his childhood idols in 2024, Palmer named a certain Old Trafford icon as his hero and said: "Wayne Rooney. I was a United fan when I was younger, and I used to watch him all the time."
Bruno Fernandes could be heading for the Old Trafford exit this summer amid talk Saudi clubs are once again raising interest in his services. That would create a void in the No. 10 position, where Palmer has excelled since joining the Blues in the summer of 2023.
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In terms of Premier League replacements, there aren't many finer candidates than Palmer. The player has been plagued by a groin issue that has restricted him to just 11 league appearances this season, while Enzo Maresca's exit as manager may also play a role in convincing him his time in west London may be coming to an end.
Meite fee revealed
One rising talent poised to attract widespread interest this summer is Rennes forward Mohamed Kader Meite. And although the 18-year-old is understood to be of interest to Saudi giants Al-Hilal, United are reportedly aiming to intercept any bid.
And it wouldn't break the bank, either, after it was reported a fee of £26m will be enough to force a deal this month. United previously looked light in natural striker options during Benjamin Sesko's injury absence, and Meite could be a worthwhile project player after flourishing in Ligue 1.
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 teenager Mohamed Kader Meite looks poised for a big career switch in the summer(Image: ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images)
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The teenage gem has scored three goals and recorded two assists in 17 Ligue 1 outings so far this term. That includes a decisive goal and assists during a 3-1 win over French powerhouse Lyon earlier in the campaign.
French selectors have taken notice, too, given 6'4" Meite has already made his debut for France's under-21 team despite his tender age. And there's a growing sense the player will not be at Roazhon Park for long as clubs begin to circle.
United likely won't be willing to match the pay package Al-Hilal may offer as they look to recruit a star of tomorrow. However, the career prospects are much greater at Old Trafford, where he could link up with fellow French speakers Leny Yoro, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo.
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