Man Utd transfer: Why move for Cole Palmer will 'definitely happen'

A spectacular Cole Palmer signing for Manchester United would be tough but here are the reasons for why it "will definitely happen"

The Chelsea forward grew up a United fan before eventually becoming a Manchester City academy graduate, and it is his links to Old Trafford that William Gallas believes will draw him back to the club.

Former Chelsea Gallas said: "I don't think Cole Palmer will go right now. He will definitely go to Manchester United in the future if he's a big fan, because every fan wants to play for the club they support."

There is no suggestion United are currently pursuing Palmer, and any deal would be extremely complicated given Chelsea's valuation and the player's importance at Stamford Bridge.

However, there are several reasons why Gallas believes it will definitely happen.

Palmer's connection to United is genuine. The England international has openly spoken about supporting United as a child and revealed that he used to attend matches at Old Trafford.

"Obviously I supported United and he (Wayne Rooney) was probably the best player when I was watching them," Palmer said when discussing his childhood football heroes.

He has also spoken about the experience of returning to Old Trafford as a Premier League player.

"When I do go back to the stadium it's good because I used to go and watch matches there," he said.

Despite supporting United, Palmer's football education took place at the Etihad.

Born in Wythenshawe, Palmer was recruited by City at a young age after playing grassroots football locally, joining their academy when he was around eight years old.

His move to City was not a case of choosing their rivals over his boyhood club. At that age, the priority was finding the best environment to develop as a footballer.

City's academy quickly recognised his talent, and Palmer spent more than a decade progressing through their system before making his first-team breakthrough under Pep Guardiola.

Palmer didn't want to leave Manchestre and his plan was to go out on loan, gain regular first-team football and then return to City ready to compete for a bigger role.

"My thing was to never leave City," Palmer said. "I wanted to go on loan for a year, come back and be ready for the first team. But they said I couldn't go on loan, either stay or you get sold. So then Chelsea rang me."

Chelsea's willingness to offer immediate first-team opportunities convinced Palmer to make the move to Stamford Bridge in 2023.

It turned out to be one of the most successful transfers in recent Premier League history.

The biggest obstacle is simple: money.

Palmer has become Chelsea's most important attacking player and is tied down on a long-term contract. The Blues would demand a world-record level fee to even consider selling their star man.

United would also have to convince Chelsea and Palmer that Old Trafford is the right place for the next stage of his career.

Tactically, however, Palmer would fit the profile United have been looking for.

The 24-year-old is capable of playing as a No.10, winger or creative forward and possesses many of the qualities modern attacking systems demand: creativity, technical ability, intelligence between the lines and the ability to decide matches.

His versatility would suit a United side looking for more creativity in the final third.

For now, Palmer remains committed to Chelsea and there is no indication that a transfer is close.

The forward has previously dismissed speculation about leaving Stamford Bridge, insisting he is happy in London.

But football has a habit of producing unexpected moves.