Manchester United came remarkably close to securing the signature of Cole Palmer when the player was just 16 years old, according to revelations from a club academy coach. This insight emerges as current speculation linking the Chelsea midfielder with a move to Old Trafford has been firmly dismissed by all parties involved.
The Childhood Near-Miss
Speaking on the Talk of the Devils podcast last year, Manchester United academy coach Colin Little provided fascinating details about the club's pursuit of a teenage Cole Palmer. Little disclosed his personal connections to the player's family and outlined how United nearly completed the transfer.
"I know Cole Palmer's family quite well, I know his dad and his uncle," Little explained in 2025. "We were close to getting Cole Palmer when he was about 16, believe it or not."
The coach described how Palmer, a self-confessed Manchester United supporter, was at the crucial age where players can leave their academies. "He was umming and ahhing, and I knew he was a big United fan. He was at that age where you're allowed to leave, 16 is it? They were umming and ahhing, Man City, about it."
Why The Deal Collapsed
According to Little's account, Manchester City ultimately presented a more compelling offer that convinced the young midfielder to remain with their academy system. "I think City, in the end, made him a good enough offer, but really he was always a United fan, and it was close, I remember speaking. I think City needed to show him a bit more love and that kind of stuff."
Reflecting on what might have been, Little added: "We never quite got it over the line, but it would've been nice if we did, wouldn't it?"
Current Transfer Speculation Dismissed
Despite recent reports suggesting Palmer might be unsettled in London and considering a move to his childhood club, Manchester United have reportedly decided against pursuing the England international. The Mirror has revealed that United are instead focusing their transfer efforts on securing a world-class defensive midfielder.
This strategic shift follows United's summer acquisitions of attacking midfielders Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, which has left the club well-covered in those positions. The decision effectively ends any immediate prospect of Palmer joining the Red Devils.
Chelsea's Firm Stance
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has addressed the transfer rumours directly this week, offering unequivocal assurance about Palmer's future at Stamford Bridge. "There's no reason for assurance. It's so unrealistic. It's come from nowhere. There's nothing in it," stated Rosenior.
The Chelsea boss emphasized Palmer's contentment at the club: "Cole is very happy. I've had numerous conversations with him. Our thoughts are on how we can make this team better, how he can improve and how I can help him. He loves being here and he wants to be a Chelsea player."
Rosenior dismissed the speculation as baseless: "You can't stop speculation, but some speculation is so far from the truth. There's no point in having a discussion about it."
Palmer's Chelsea Commitment
Cole Palmer remains firmly committed to Chelsea, having signed a substantial nine-year contract upon his arrival in 2023. This agreement keeps him at Stamford Bridge until at least 2033, providing the club with long-term security regarding one of their key midfield assets.
The player has previously acknowledged his childhood support for Manchester United, telling TNT Sports following a hat-trick against them at Stamford Bridge in 2024: "Yeah, when I was growing up, I was a United fan." However, he quickly redirected focus to his current club: "I just try and take each game as it comes and show the Chelsea fans and everyone what I came here to do, and that is just play football."
Palmer has faced injury challenges this season that have prevented him from reaching peak form, but both player and manager appear focused on his development and contribution to Chelsea's future success rather than transfer speculation.
