After previous links between Cole Palmer and Manchester United, the club have learned the astronomical fee they would have to pay for a prospective deal to happen.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has become one of the best-ranked players in the Premier League, with several clubs eager to snatch the 23-year-old and add him to their rotation. Manchester United are no exception to this and have recently been linked with the Manchester-born midfielder.
Whilst Palmer has impressed over his last few seasons in the Premier League, he’s had a rocky start this season with ongoing injury issues.
The England international has only started 10 Premier League games so far this season; however has managed to register eight goals and four assists in his 20 appearances in all competitions. Despite this, Chelsea have been highly critical of the youngster’s performance, and this has caused doubts over his future at the London side emerge.
While reports have emerged that Palmer would be open to playing under the lights at Old Trafford, Chelsea are requesting an astronomical fee for the midfielder, with the question surrounding whether the Reds would be willing to pay the price.
Palmer’s record-breaking transfer fee
If Palmer were to join Michael Carrick’s side, it would likely break the Premier League’s record for a transfer fee. This title is currently held by Liverpool’s Alexander Isak, the forward setting the record last summer after his move from Newcastle United for a reported £125 million.
While United fans would likely welcome Palmer with open arms, Football Insider reports that he has no plans to leave Chelsea and is eager to sign a new contract.
This massively hinders United’s chances to sign him, with the chance of him joining the club looking slim despite whatever price tag would be attached to the deal.
Football Insider’s transfer correspondence, Pete O’Rourke spoke on the potential of Palmer joining United, stating that ‘Chelsea don’t want to lose him, he’s under contract until 2033.
“I think to even consider selling him it would probably have to be a record fee for the Premier League, as well, and that’s why I don’t see this deal being done.
“I don’t see Manchester United paying what Chelsea would need for him to be sold, and as I said, I don’t think Chelsea wants to sell him either, so it’s a non-starter for me right now.“
Man Utd monitoring Premier League talent
Although Palmer would be a fantastic signing for United, many would argue that the price tag attached to the player is not worth it, with the club eyeing up more realistic midfield targets for the summer transfer window.
Former United head coach Rúben Amorim decided to prioritise the Red’s frontline last summer, signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško and consequently leaving United without the money to make any new changes elsewhere.
Read More: Man Utd create four-man shortlist for summer transfer window as Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepares for an end-of-season overhaul
These three signings have proved vital to United’s progression so far this season, and with their front line now in order, United can turn their attention to tightening their midfield, with the impending departure of Casemiro making it almost a pivotal step for the club to be back fighting as one of Europe’s top teams.
United have been closely linked with several different midfield options, including Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson, the three Premier League midfielders all having impressive seasons for their respective sides, with the likelihood that one of them will be playing in red and white increasing.
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