Chelsea star Cole Palmer would reportedly cost at least £80 million for either Manchester United or Manchester City to tempt the Blues into a sale this summer. The 23-year-old, a boyhood United fan, faces an uncertain future after Chelsea failed to qualify for European football next season, finishing 10th in the Premier League.
According to The Sun, £80 million would be the starting point for any negotiations. Interest from United had previously cooled as manager Michael Carrick focused on other positions, but the price tag could reignite their pursuit. Meanwhile, reports in Spain have suggested an £86 million offer from Manchester City, though that is considered speculative.
Palmer's former manager Enzo Maresca, who got the best out of him at Chelsea, is the favourite to replace Pep Guardiola at City. Maresca left Stamford Bridge earlier this year after a fallout with the hierarchy. Palmer had previously told TNT Sports that missing out on the Champions League would change everything, hinting at a possible exit.
United, who finished third and secured Champions League football, have midfielders as a priority but may view Palmer as a unique market opportunity given Chelsea's struggles. Chelsea's weak negotiating position is compounded by their failure to qualify for Europe, making a summer sale more likely.
