Sky Sports chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol spoke about the chances of Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer joining Manchester United. The England international has been at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2023.
Despite the 23-year-old contracted to Stamford Bridge till 2033, Palmer has been reported to be 'unsettled' at the club amid a quiet and injury-plagued start to the season and that he's 'open' to a move to the Red Devils.
However, Solhekol, on Sky Sports (via CFC Daily), dismissed those chances as 'slim and none':
“The chances are slim and NONE. And slim is out of town at the moment.”
As per Solhekol, new Blues boss Liam Rosenoir described Palmer as 'untouchable' and questioned the timing of the Manchester United rumours:
"Yes and yes. It's simple. "Cole's an incredible player like (Moises Caicedo) sitting next to me and many players in the group. "I'm not surprised at the timing (of the rumours). A new manager comes in and all of a sudden there's people are (looking to) unsettle. It's not true. Cole's here, he's very happy, and I can't wait to see him on the pitch.
"There's no reason for an assurance (from Chelsea's directors). It's so unrealistic. It's come from nowhere, there's nothing in it. There's no reason to have the conversation, that's where I'm at."
Rosenoir, who succeeded Enzo Maresca earlier this month, added:
"Cole is very happy. We've had numerous conversations with him on how we can make this team better, how he can improve and how I can help him - because he loves being here, and he wants to be a Chelsea player.
"You can't stop speculation, but some speculation is so far from the truth, there's not point having any discussion about it."
Palmer scored in his last outing for the Blues, who beat Brentford 2-0 at home in the Premier League last week.
What's next for Chelsea and Manchester United?
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenoir
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenoir
Chelsea are coming off a 3-1 Premier League win at 10-man Crystal Palace at the weekend. Goals from Estevao, Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez ended the game as a contest before Chris Richards pulled one back for the hosts.
Liam Rosenoir's side next travel to SSC Napoli on Wednesday (January 28) for their final UEFA Champions League league phase game. The Blues are eighth in the 36-team standings, needing a win to secure automatic knockout qualification.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are in good form as well, with interim boss Michael Carrick overseeing successive wins against the Premier League's top two. After beating second-placed Manchester City 2-0 at home last week, the Red Devils came from behind to win 3-2 at leaders Arsenal at the weekend.
Next up, Manchester United - fourth in the standings - host Fulham at Old Trafford in the league on Sunday (February 1). The Cottagers are seventh in the points table, three points and two places behind the Blues (37) after 23 games.