By Jacob Howson
Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin believes Chelsea would be willing to let go of Cole Palmer if they could make a profit on him, also saying it’s down to the player if he wants to join Manchester United.
In an exclusive interview with BestBettingSites, Nevin says that the Blues are a ‘trading club’ and wouldn’t say no to the potential to make some profit on the 23-year-old.
In recent weeks, rumours have circulated online that United could eye up a swoop for the Manchester-born star, with his childhood allegiances and troubles this season making Chelsea a less attractive option.
Are Manchester United interested?
There is no doubt that Palmer would be a great fit for the Red Devils, with or without Michael Carrick come next season, but would the board splash the cash on him?
With Bruno Fernandes getting no younger, the wise option would be to look at potential replacements if the Portuguese were to move on in the summer, or in the future.
Palmer would suit the number ten role at United, with Fernandes showing what can be done when a highly talented player is given the license to dictate the game – the Englishman would surely walk into that position.
There doesn’t seem to be much credible evidence to suggest United are interested in Palmer, but Nevin doesn’t have any doubts that they’d be enticed.
He said: “Would Manchester United want him? They probably would. Would the money be difficult? No, they would probably sort that out.
It comes down to him. Does Cole Palmer fancy playing for Manchester United? That’s it. Nobody knows except Cole Palmer.”
This season’s form and injury troubles
It’s no secret that this season will not be one for the history books when Palmer hangs up his boots eventually – with just eight goals and one assist from 17 Premier League appearances.
The Manchester City academy graduate spoke openly about his groin injury issues after his hat-trick against Wolves last month, suggesting he hasn’t felt fully fit once this entire campaign.
Palmer has missed 11 league games this season, including big home meetings with Arsenal and Barcelona, and was missing from action between late September and early December.
These problems wouldn’t be solved with a move and he would probably need surgery to get back to his best, but a return to home comforts might be tempting for the star – for his mind if anything.
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Managerial changes and Chelsea’s instability
With the exit of previous manager Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day, and the arrival of Liam Rosenior as new head coach, Palmer has now seen four different figures in the dugout in his west London tenure.
Palmer had built a good rapport with his two previous coaches Maresca and Mauricio Pochettino, and their exits might have caused him some distress – especially the former – with whom he provided a huge hand in winning the Europa Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
On top of the changes off the field, the England international has also seen two teammates of his in Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson leave Cobham this previous summer, both of which he had strong bonds with, leading to more potential unrest.
United looking up
Nevin highlighted the mood around Old Trafford looking more positive as a factor in Palmer’s decision, saying:
“When you look at what United are doing just now and how they’re playing, and the possibility that you might actually have some stability at Manchester United, that becomes a temptation.
“With Michael Carrick, it just feels like a different place, it feels totally different.”
Is Palmer a Red Devil at heart?
Photos of Palmer wearing a Manchester United shirt as a child have always circulated online since he broke into the City team, and have gained traction since becoming such a hit at Stamford Bridge.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that a young player from Wythenshawe growing up in the noughties would idolise the Sir Alex Ferguson era that dominated English football at the time, and these links have fuelled the transfer rumours today.
During a recent week-long break between games, many Chelsea players including Palmer took the time to recover on holiday mid-way through a demanding schedule, where the Blues star was seen meeting up with a friend and rapper Tunde.
The Manchester-based musician and United fan posted a picture of the pair on his social media, captioned ‘One day I will get CP to UTD back home where he belongs’ and ‘Go ask him who his favourite team is’.
The Instagram story sent United fans online into a frenzy, further believing the rumours that the midfielder was headed to Carrington this summer.
Nevin described Palmer’s allegiance as a ‘draw’, and said:
“If he says Manchester United, I’ve heard hints that he was a United fan as a kid. I don’t know if that’s true, but I’ve heard that was his team as a kid.
“Would that be enough to tempt Cole? I wouldn’t be shocked.”
The run-in
Chelsea have the odds stacked against them for the remainder of the season, with a tough Champions League round of 16 draw against holders Paris Saint German and tricky away games against top five hopefuls Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Qualification for the next edition of Europe’s most elite competition will be crucial for the Blues’ hopes of keeping Palmer, while Carrick’s side sit in third position and in the driver’s seat to qualify.
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