Man Utd make decision on Cole Palmer transfer as Chelsea price tag emerges | Football | Sport

Manchester United have ruled out a blockbuster summer move for Cole Palmer. Express Sport understands that United’s hierarchy have concluded that pursuing the England and Chelsea star does not feature among their primary objectives for the upcoming window. Palmer is said to have grown restless at Chelsea following a turbulent season with the struggling Blues.

The attacking midfielder has endured a significant dip in form, casting doubt over his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad. Palmer is eager to play Champions League football next season – and would welcome a transfer to United given they have already secured a return to UEFA’s premier competition.

Manchester-born Palmer grew up as a United supporter before joining Manchester City – and has been impressed by their recent resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick.

However, United have other areas of the squad to bolster ahead of the coming season, especially with Bruno Fernandes in such glittering form in the No.10 role.

Signing Palmer, who celebrated his 24th birthday earlier this week, would be difficult for United to justify from a financial standpoint. Palmer’s existing £150,000-a-week contract runs until 2033 and almost all high-level transfers come with significant pay rises.

United are aware that securing Palmer from Premier League rivals Chelsea would set them back in the region of £90million.

United splashed almost £210m last summer to overhaul their attacking options, bringing in Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. All three have been vital players for Carrick.

United are also confident of retaining captain Fernandes, while Marcus Rashford’s future remains uncertain and a return to Old Trafford this summer remains possible should he fail to finalise a permanent switch to Barcelona.

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to sign two central midfielders and two defenders this summer. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte will leave United, while crocked centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is also a contender to depart.

And United have admitted privately that Palmer would be an expensive luxury the club doesn’t need and cannot afford.