Cole Palmer has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer despite Liam Rosenior insisting that he is happy with Chelsea, and one Reds legend sees him as a superb signing
Lee Sharpe believes that Cole Palmer would be the perfect replacement for Bruno Fernandes, should the Portuguese playmaker opt to leave Manchester United this summer. The Wythenshawe-born 23-year-old has thrived with Chelsea since making the move from Manchester City in 2023.
And when rumours that Palmer was homesick in the English capital started to emerge earlier this year, United quickly found themselves linked with a sensational swoop for the attacking-midfielder. However, Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior was quick to downplay any suggestions that Palmer was unsettled at Stamford Bridge.
Should Palmer’s stance change in the near future, then Sharpe believes that he could excel with the Reds. However, he can’t see the talent getting into the United first-team while Fernandes is still with the club.
Speaking to BetBrain, the Manchester United legend said: “I’ve seen the rumours about Cole Palmer returning to Manchester United, that he’s a boyhood fan of the club. Maybe if Bruno Fernandes leaves Old Trafford, then Palmer could be an option to replace him, but if he stays then I don’t see how Palmer gets into the team.
“Palmer is a really exciting player and I’d love to see him in a United shirt, but there are a lot of boxes that need to be ticked before they go and get a player of his calibre.”
It comes as Fernandes’ future beyond 2025/26 has also been cast into doubt, despite the club captain devoting his allegiance to the Reds time and time again. The 31-year-old’s current contract expires next summer, although there is an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
However, with a wealth of interest from the Saudi Pro League last summer, it remains unknown whether his head would be turned should a lucrative deal come knocking again. It is understood that Fernandes will only hold talks with his agent regarding his future after this summer’s World Cup in North America.
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Elsewhere, United are also yet to make a decision on a new deal for Fernandes, given that they are still yet to appoint a permanent manager. Regardless of whether he stays or goes, United would be wise to invest in their engine room this summer.
Casemiro is set to part ways with Old Trafford this summer when his own contract expires, with United lacking depth outside of the Brazilian, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte – who has struggled to find his footing in the Premier League.
As a result, the Reds have been linked with a number of talents ahead of the summer transfer window, including but not limited to Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson. Elsewhere, Omar Berrada has hinted that the club’s transfer spending is not over as they take a ‘football-first approach’.
The Chief Executive Officer said: “We are now seeing the positive financial impact of our off-pitch transformation materialise both in our costs and profitability. We continue to take a football-first approach and invest in both our men’s and women’s first teams.
“On the pitch our men’s team sits 4th in the Premier League and our women’s team are 2nd in the Women’s Super League, as well as reaching the League Cup Final and the quarter final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
“Today’s results demonstrate the underlying strength of our business as we continue to push for the best football results possible for our Men’s and Women’s teams.”
Whether that investment will cover the £100m price tag that many see Wharton’s, Baleba’s and Anderson’s services to be worth, remains to be seen.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.