EXCLUSIVE Manchester United have come to a decision over a transfer bid for Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer as they have identified their primary midfield targets
10:34, 29 Jan 2026Updated 10:34, 29 Jan 2026
Cole Palmer was a boyhood Manchester United fan even though he played for Manchester City
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Cole Palmer was a boyhood Manchester United fan even though he played for Manchester City(Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Manchester United have made a decision on whether to try and sign Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer.
The boyhood Red Devils fan has been heavily linked with a return to his home city and a sensational move to the Blues' Premier League rivals. But United bosses know the England star is out of the club's price range - while an attacking midfielder is not on the club's list of priorities when it comes to strengthening Michael Carrick's team.
United have invested almost £135m in signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo, and believe this is an area of the team which doesn't need attention. While United could decide to spend whatever it takes to keep Bruno Fernandes on an extended deal.
Cole Palmer
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Cole Palmer is Chelsea's star player but has been linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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It's understood co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has held talks with CEO Omar Berrada about potential targets. And the duo have made it their mission to bring in a world class defensive midfielder, to replace the outgoing Casemiro.
Those on United's radar include Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba, but are mindful of the potential valuations of this trio. Palmer has been linked with a return to Manchester to join United.
Reports claim he is unsettled in London and would like to secure a move back to the north west. But Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior insists there is no chance Palmer will be sold.
Adam Wharton stands with his hands on his hips
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Adam Wharton is thought to be Manchester United's priority(Image: Getty Images)
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Palmer signed a nine-year deal with Chelsea when he joined them in 2024, meaning he is under contract until 2023. United would have to stump up in the region of £100m to land the 23-year-old, as well as offer him wages in the region of £250,000-a-week.
There are also doubts United will secure Champions League football, weakening their hand when it comes to luring targets to Old Trafford.
The deal would make no financial sense for United, who are willing to sell Marcus Rashford to Barcelona this summer for a cut-price £25m.