Cole Palmer appears to have backed Chelsea's bid to sign Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
The Manchester United midfielder's future is under scrutiny and he has emerged as a player the Red Devils could consider selling after previously being deemed 'untouchable'. The 19-year-old is yet to agree terms on a new deal and the sides are said to have reached a stalemate.
Mainoo's contract runs until June 2027, but includes an option for a further twelve months. It was expected that a new deal would recognize the academy's status as a first-team regular, but instead the possibility of a move this month or in the summer has been mooted.
The United star is said to have concerns about the direction of the club and the possibility of playing Champions League football with the club in 13th place in the Premier League.
Chelsea have already been presented as early favorites for a deal and Palmer would be keen to welcome his England teammate to Stamford Bridge, it seems. The Blues' talisman liked a post on Instagram suggesting Chelsea would lead the race to complete a transfer if Mainoo were to leave.
“News today that Chelsea are leading the chase for Kobbie Mainoo if he leaves Man Utd. What do we think? Could this be a good move for him?” read a post from TheSecretScout1.
The pair appear to have already built a bond, with Palmer taking advantage of Mainoo's celebration after scoring in the Euro 2024 final against Spain. “I ran to the byline and told Cole to celebrate my celebration too — which he did,” Mainoo told GQ. “I was gassed.”
Palmer, meanwhile, was keen to praise Mainoo's qualities in the same interview. “He knows I think he was the best player at the European Championship. And of course what he does for one of the biggest clubs in the world…” the 22-year-old.
Mainoo's response: “It was crazy in his first full season for the club – to be top in goals, assists and goal involvement. It's huge.”
Reports claim that Mainoo is not the only player with an uncertain future. Manchester United will listen to serious offers for all their first-team players amid their struggles this month.
Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund are now also expendable after being deemed indispensable last year. Mainoo and Garnacho are considered homegrown players and would therefore be particularly valuable sales to help work within the confines of profit and sustainability regulations.
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