Paul Merson tips Cole Palmer to complete Man Utd transfer after Chelsea 'kick in the teeth'

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Paul Merson believes that Cole Palmer will make the switch to Manchester United if Chelsea fail to clinch Champions League qualification for 2026/27. The Wythenshawe-born star was the subject of intense speculation during the January transfer window , with United linked with a surprise swoop for him.

Reports indicated that the Manchester City academy product was unhappy in the capital, and that he could head back to the north west once again to wear United red. However, such claims were dismissed by Liam Rosenior , who insisted that Palmer is settled at Stamford Bridge.

The head coach, who assumed control from Enzo Maresca earlier this year, also maintained that the 23-year-old - who is tied to Chelsea until 2033 - is off limits. That's given his extensive contract and the price that the Blues would demand to allow him to depart.

However, as the campaign nears its conclusion, Merson claims that United could prove an appealing destination this summer should Chelsea miss out on Champions League football. Speaking with Sky Sports , the pundit said: "If Chelsea don't beat Brighton on Tuesday, they could be 11th by the end of the week.

"And do I expect them to beat Brighton on Tuesday? No. The only consolation is if they beat Brighton, then Nottingham Forest - then they have Liverpool in a must-win game.

"At that point you never know. But Chelsea don't play any other team in the top five apart from that. So you don't have the chance to gain any other points, and that's good news if you're a team in the top five, with five games to go.

"No Champions League football will be a kick in the teeth for Chelsea. Do you think Cole Palmer will be at Chelsea playing in the Europa Conference League? I don't think so. Manchester United will get into the Champions League, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was playing there next season."

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Chelsea currently find themselves sitting sixth in the Premier League as they prepare for their final five fixtures of the campaign, level on points (48) with both Brentford and Bournemouth , though ahead on goal difference.

With Liverpool sitting seven points above the Blues in fifth, clawing their way into the top five before the season wraps up looks like an incredibly tall order - and there remains a very real danger that Chelsea could yet slip further down the table before the curtain comes down with their final match against Sunderland AFC .

Manchester United, meanwhile, have enjoyed a remarkable revival under Michael Carrick during the second-half of the season - moving 10 points clear of Chelsea in third place after their win at Stamford Bridge with Champions League football for 2026/27 virtually secured.

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With reinforcements for their midfield engine room high on the agenda this summer following Casemiro's impending departure, the Red Devils have been linked with a host of top-class talent in recent weeks.