Liam Rosenior responds to rumours Cole Palmer could quit Chelsea for Man Utd | Football

Liam Rosenior has poured cold water on speculation that Cole Palmer has grown unhappy at Chelsea and could be on his way out of the club.

A report from The Sun on Monday suggested that Palmer was ‘unsettled’ in London, two-and-a-half years on from his £42.5million transfer move from Manchester City.

Palmer grew up supporting Manchester United and the 23-year-old was said to be missing his hometown and ‘open’ to the prospect of a sensational switch to Old Trafford.

However, Palmer is considered to be one of Chelsea’s ‘untouchables’ and only signed a new contract at Stamford Bridge last year, which runs through to June 2033.

The England international has been nothing short of a revelation for Chelsea, establishing himself as one of the most exciting attacking talents in Premier League football since departing City.

It’s proven a frustrating season for Palmer this term, though, with groin, toe and thigh injuries limited his playing time and impact for the Club World Cup holders.

Palmer made his first – and only – appearance under new boss Rosenior in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Brentford earlier this month, playing the full 90 minutes and converting a second-half penalty at the Gtech Community Stadium.

But Rosenior is keen to manage Palmer’s workload and the forward was left out of the club’s last two games against Pafos and Crystal Palace in the Champions League and Premier League respectively.

Asked if Palmer had returned to Chelsea’s squad to face Napoli on Wednesday night, Rosenior confirmed: ‘He’s here.’

Later on in his press conference, Rosenior moved to reassure Chelsea fans that there was little truth to the recent rumours surrounding Palmer’s future.

Asked whether Palmer was both ‘untouchable’ and ‘happy’ at Chelsea, Rosenior replied: ‘Yes and yes.

‘Cole is an incredible player. I’m not surprised at the timing [of the speculation] – a new manager comes in and a player is unsettled.

It’s not true.’

Despite the swirling speculation surrounding Palmer, Rosenior has felt little need to speak with Chelsea’s hierarchy over their position on the matter.

‘There’s no reason for any assurance. It’s so unrealistic,’ he explained.

‘It’s come from nowhere. There is no need to have the conversation. Cole is happy.

‘You can’t stop speculation but some speculation is so far from the truth and there is no point having a conversation about it.’

More to follow.

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