United suffer brutal rejection despite INEOS preparing eye-watering offer to sign “world-class” 23-yo wizard – report

Chelsea have delivered an emphatic response to Manchester United’s reported interest in a blockbuster raid for Cole Palmer, a new update reveals. Not For Sale Sky Sports states the Blues consider Palmer “untouchable” at Stamford Bridge, and that he remains a “key player” upon whom the club’s future will be built. Reports emerged this week that the 23-year-old attacker, who has a contract until 2033, was “unsettled” in London and was open to a return to the north west of England. Palmer was born in Wythenshawe, a town less than ten miles from Manchester’s city centre, and maintains close family ties in the area. Despite being a boyhood Red Devil, he joined Manchester City’s youth team as an eight-year-old and quickly progressed through the ranks. Interestingly, Jason Wilcox – the sporting director at Old Trafford – was in charge of the Citizens’ academy during this time and played a key role in Palmer remaining at the club when academy coaches had decided to release him. “City were ready to release Palmer at 16 only for the club’s then academy director, Jason Wilcox, a huge champion of the player, to emphatically veto such a move in a meeting,” The Telegraph reveals. However, the England international did eventually leave the Etihad in 2023 after Chelsea struck a £40 million deal with City – a price many raised their eyebrows at, but one which has proven an absolute bargain amidst a sea of wasted money at Stamford Bridge.  He has scored 41 goals and provided 20 assists in 81 Premier League appearances, having firmly established himself as one of the best No. 10s in Europe. Happy In London Sky Sports indicates Chelsea executives are not troubled by the links to United – or any other club – with Palmer believed to be “happy” where he is.  “Recent reports have suggested the England international was feeling unsettled in London and was open to a move to Manchester United in order to return to the north west, but Chelsea believe the player is happy at Stamford Bridge. “Palmer’s season has been hampered by injuries to his groin, toe and, most recently, thigh which caused him to miss Sunday’s victory at Crystal Palace, but he returned to training on Tuesday ahead of their Champions League fixture at Napoli.” From United’s perspective, a pursuit of Palmer – a left-footed attacking midfielder or right-winger – only made sense if Bruno Fernandes’ future at Old Trafford was coming to an end.  Recent noises out of the Mancunian club indicate INEOS want the Portugal international to remain beyond the summer, despite interest from Bayern Munich and the Saudi Pro League. Fernandes is understood to be waiting to see who is appointed as Ruben Amorim’s long-term successor this summer, with Michael Carrick currently in charge of the team on a caretaker basis until the end of the season. The 31-year-old’s contract contains a £57 million release clause for clubs outside of England; therefore, if one of his suitors were to pay the required amount, United would have no control over his exit. It is perhaps this uncertainty which has sparked the prospect of a bombshell raid on a Premier League rival for a replacement – with a report indicating United would even be prepared to table a £120 million bid. 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.