Manchester United have ruled out a summer move for Cole Palmer. It is understood United bosses have decided that attempting to sign the England and Chelsea star is not one of their priorities.
Palmer is said to have become unsettled at Chelsea following a difficult campaign with the top flight strugglers. The attacking midfielder has suffered a dramatic loss of form, which has left his inclusion in Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad in doubt.
Reports have claimed Palmer wants to be playing Champions League football next season — and would be open to a move to United. Manchester-born Palmer grew up supporting United — and has been impressed with their recent renaissance under interim boss Michael Carrick.
But United have other positions to strengthen ahead of next season. While signing Palmer, who turned 24 earlier this week, would be hard for United to justify financially.
Palmer's current £150,000-a-week deal runs until 2033. And United know it would cost them a fee of around £90 million to lure Palmer to Old Trafford.
United spent almost £210 million last summer rebuilding their attacking options, with the signings of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. United are also confident of keeping Bruno Fernandes, while Marcus Rashford's future remains unclear and he could still return to Old Trafford this summer if he fails to secure a permanent move to Barcelona.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to sign two central midfielders and two defenders this summer. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte will leave United, while crocked centre back Matthijs de Ligt is also expected to depart. And United have admitted privately that Palmer would be an expensive luxury the club does not need and cannot afford.
Before any business, United chiefs have a decision to make over the manager's role. Carrick has impressed since taking the reins in January. Speaking about the former midfielder staying on, Casemiro said recently: 'In my opinion, he completely deserves it [the Manchester United job]. I think he's a guy who has already demonstrated that he has very good qualities to be a Manchester United coach. So it's not up to me to choose, it's up to the club. But if I could give my opinion, of course he deserves it, and he deserves the club's total trust. Of course, the season is year-round, but since he arrived, he's been doing an incredible job and I think that with more time he has everything to be a great manager of Manchester United.'
