Manchester United have decided against making a move for Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer this summer, according to club sources. The attacking midfielder, who grew up supporting United and has been linked with a return to his boyhood club, is not considered a priority target.
Palmer, 24, has endured a difficult campaign with Chelsea and is reportedly unsettled, with his form suffering to the extent that his place in Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad is in doubt. He is said to be keen on Champions League football next season and would be open to joining United.
However, United bosses believe the cost of signing Palmer would be prohibitive. His current £150,000-a-week contract runs until 2033, and Chelsea would demand a fee of around £90 million. United spent nearly £210 million last summer on attacking reinforcements including Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and are now focused on strengthening other areas.
The club is prioritising the signings of two central midfielders and two defenders this summer, with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte expected to leave and centre-back Matthijs de Ligh also likely to depart. United are confident of retaining Bruno Fernandes, while Marcus Rashford's future remains uncertain as he could return to Old Trafford if a permanent move to Barcelona falls through.
United have privately admitted that signing Palmer would be an expensive luxury they neither need nor can afford. The club's summer plans also hinge on a decision regarding interim manager Michael Carrick, who has impressed since taking over in January and has been backed by players including Casemiro to take the job permanently.
