Credit: Imago

Ciaran Morrison

Sun 5 April 2026 8:30, UK

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Manchester United could have serious interest in signing Chelsea star Cole Palmer, according to Keith Wyness.

The former Everton chief exclusively told Football Insider that there is a “possibility” that Palmer signs for the Red Devils in the summer transfer window.

Palmer was linked with a move to Old Trafford in January, even though the 23-year-old has had a spell at rivals Manchester City.

Since joining Chelsea in 2023, Palmer has become a standout playmaker in the Premier League, though his form at Stamford Bridge has dipped this season.

Man United’s transfer plans could be boosted by a return to the Champions League, whilst Chelsea are currently set to miss out on a place in the competition.

Cole Palmer ‘unhappy’ at Chelsea

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – thinks Palmer would be a marquee signing for Man United.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness though believes Palmer will still be at Chelsea when the Premier League begins again next season.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I dismissed the Man United links earlier in the season.

“I thought no chance, but actually now I’m starting to believe that there is some smoke without fire there. And that could be one possibility. He would be a bit of a trophy for United and played in the right system, I think he would do well.

“So there’s something there, but it still smacks a bit of agent talk to me. He seems to be unhappy with the fact that he and Nicolas Jackson are not playing together again. He feels he’s lost a lot of that attacking intent as a partnership.

“And certainly his performances haven’t been the quality that we’ve seen before. Now, if he’s going to be in the England squad in the World Cup, he’s got to really turn it on.

“But I’m still dubious about the Man United link. There’s a lot of rumours, but I just think at the moment he’s going to still be a Chelsea player next year.”

Palmer move to help Man United amid concerns

Interest in Palmer at Old Trafford may be down to recent concerns over the performances of Bryan Mbeumo.

Former scout at the club Mick Brown told Football Insider that Mbeumo’s place in the Man United starting XI is not guaranteed.

The 26-year-old has been seen frustrated in recent weeks as his form has dipped, with no goals in his last six appearances.

Matheus Cunha has also scored just once in his past seven matches, meaning there remains an over-reliance on Bruno Fernandes in attack.