Cole Palmer to Man United transfer truth after Chelsea 'talks' and Andrey Santos message

Palmer was not discussed in United-Chelsea talks despite summer speculation; United instead negotiated Santos's £48m move.

Cole Palmer's name did not come up during Manchester United and Chelsea's summer transfer negotiations, despite widespread reports linking the 24-year-old with a move to Old Trafford. United officials, including director of football Jason Wilcox, and Chelsea's sporting director Paul Winstanley did not mention Palmer when discussing deals between the clubs. Instead, United focused on securing Andrey Santos, agreeing a £48 million plus £2 million deal for the Brazilian midfielder. Palmer, a boyhood United fan who had been rumoured to be keen on joining the club, remained at Chelsea through the summer. He has since signed a new contract keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2034 and has started the season in strong form with four goals and three assists in ten appearances, earning a recall to the England squad. Santos received an encouraging message from Palmer after his move, with the Chelsea player telling his former teammate he deserved the opportunity at Manchester.