Palmer is willing to join Manchester United to fulfill his childhood dream of playing for the Red Devils, with no intention of returning to Manchester City! Chelsea has set a price of £150 million.

English reports reveal that Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is interested in moving to Manchester United, as he has supported the Red Devils since childhood. Although his performance at Stamford Bridge over two and a half years has been strong, the England international finds it hard to settle in London and frequently returns to his hometown Withenshaw in the northwest to see family and friends.

This season, Palmer has started just 11 games for Chelsea, hampered by groin and other injuries. In the recent Premier League match where Chelsea defeated Crystal Palace 3-1 on Sunday, Palmer was not included in the squad, sparking rumors.

Palmer is a Manchester native who has supported Manchester United since he was young; many Red Devils fans have seen photos of him wearing the 2010/11 season jersey. The British Sun newspaper reports that Palmer would gladly accept an offer from Manchester United to realize his "childhood dream." Sources stress that Palmer will not consider returning to his former club Manchester City, as Guardiola never fully trusted him. In September 2023, Manchester City sold Palmer to Chelsea for £42.5 million.

At 23, Palmer would reunite with many familiar faces at Manchester United. Sporting director Jason Wilcox was responsible for Palmer’s first professional contract in the Manchester City youth system. Wilcox once stated his belief that one of Manchester City’s academy players could eventually win the Ballon d’Or, with Palmer among the potential candidates.

Wilcox has tried to facilitate Manchester United’s signing of young talents developed by Manchester City. Last summer’s transfer window saw the club attempt to acquire Ipswich’s Liam Draper for £30 million, but the English forward ultimately chose Chelsea, becoming Palmer’s teammate once again.

Manchester United CEO Omar Berrada, who previously served as Manchester City’s COO, along with Wilcox, holds significant influence over United’s recruitment. Besides Wilcox and Berrada, United’s performance director Sam Ellis and communications officers Toby Craig and Kate Smith have all worked at Manchester City. Therefore, it is unsurprising that fans link Palmer to the Red Devils’ management with City ties.

However, the key to Palmer’s transfer has never been his own wishes, but rather Chelsea’s plans. Last season, Palmer signed a contract extension running until 2033, giving the Blues full control. Chelsea invested heavily to acquire Palmer, and if they sell now, they will seek at least a £100 million profit! This would push Palmer’s transfer fee close to £150 million, creating a nearly insurmountable barrier for any club.

English media report that Palmer’s transfer is currently just a rumor, with Chelsea remaining calm and unwilling to part with this key player.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: "Rumors are swirling about Palmer wanting to return to Manchester, possibly even to Manchester United. However, a summer move away from Chelsea seems unlikely at present. New manager Liam Rosenior said in a press conference that he has spoken with Palmer several times and that Palmer is very happy at Chelsea. The club’s position is clear: they see Palmer as a vital part of their plans and do not want to let him go. While rumors have persisted, there has been no substantive progress as of January."

Additionally, Palmer is a left-footed number 10, a role already filled at Manchester United by players like Amad Diallo and Mbeumo. Unless the Red Devils sell captain Bruno Fernandes, there is no pressing need to spend heavily on Palmer this summer. The longer-term future remains even more uncertain.