Former Manchester City academy player Cole Palmer is "open" to a move to Old Trafford, having supported Manchester United as a youngster.
Cole Palmer has been linked with a move to Manchester United since he first left Manchester after struggling for regular minutes under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The England international reportedly supported the Red Devils as a youngster, so he is bound to be linked with the club more, especially given the uncertainty over Bruno Fernandes' long-term future at Old Trafford.
Likely down to the managerial change mid-season, Palmer has only scored nine goals and registered one assist in the Premier League this season, with just one goal and two assists in the Champions League. I say only because Palmer netted 15 goals and 11 assists last season, with 27 goals and 15 assists the year prior.
Palmer open to Manchester United move
Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are all interested in Chelsea's Cole Palmer, who has become "disillusioned" in West London, as per The Sun.
Palmer is believed to be "primed to leave this summer" and is "open" to signing for Manchester United.
A reason behind his discontent appears to be Nicolas Jackson's departure. Jackson's pace and movement combined well with Palmer's creativity, but he could recreate that partnership at Old Trafford with Benjamin Šeško, who appears to be improving week by week.
While Chelsea considers Palmer as "untouchable" - his contract expires in 2033 - United remain interested, possibly due to Jason Wilcox's relationship with the former Manchester City academy star. Wilcox was the academy head when Palmer broke through, and several former City colleagues have joined the club recently.
Palmer could be exactly the type of player to excel at Manchester United, but can the Red Devils afford to sign him?
Palmer may have to wait for United move
As he supported the club as a child, Palmer is likely to want to play for Manchester United at some point during his career, especially if he can be a part of the side who take the Red Devils back to the top, but he may have to wait for that chance
With Casemiro already confirmed to be leaving this summer, United's priority is central midfield. Left-back and left-winger are also considered positions to be explored in the transfer market, but a No.10 has not been mentioned.
United are unlikely to make a move for Palmer while Bruno Fernandes remains at the club. They could play together, but that would force two of Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Šeško to the bench, with Palmer having to play on the right flank.
However, if Fernandes' £57 million release clause were activated, United should immediately turn their attention to Palmer, as one of the few who could replace the United captain without a huge drop off.