United ready to break the bank for £120m superstar, initial talks held over “unprecedented” move – report

Manchester United may enter a new era in the summer without two of their most reliable and experienced midfielders.  The Red Devils have already announced that Casemiro will depart Old Trafford at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract.  Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes’ future is uncertain, as top clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia are eyeing an ambitious swoop.  Manchester United keen on Cole Palmer It has been previously reported that Manchester United are keen on signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, and the huge wage savings from Casemiro’s exit could help fund a marquee move.  Meanwhile, Fernandes’ contract contains a release clause worth £57 million. A report in Spain suggests the Premier League giants have identified a new “figure to lead the sporting project” and are prepared to go all out to sign him. According to Fichajes, United have made Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer their “top target”. Manchester United hold talks to sign Cole Palmer It is understood Palmer, who is tied to Stamford Bridge until 2033, is valued at £120 million, but that is not going to deter United from making a strong push. The Spanish outlet claims United are ready to “make an unprecedented financial effort” for the England international. Cole Palmer Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League12104–2–759′ UEFA Champions League111–––90′ Total13115–2–849′ The Mancunians are reportedly prioritising adding young, hungry, local talent to their squad, and Palmer fits that brief perfectly. Accordingly, the club’s hierarchy have already opened “preliminary talks”. Chelsea’s intention is to keep hold of their talisman, but Palmer’s “desire to return home appears to be an insurmountable obstacle” for the Blues.  The 23-year-old Wythenshawe lad, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City, is believed to be missing the north of England. Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!