Chelsea star Cole Palmer reacts to Blues' interest in signing Manchester United midfielder: Reports

Cole Palmer has made his feelings clear on Chelsea's reported interest in Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo. The England international seems to have given his seal of approval on the potential transfer.

Mainoo burst onto the scene at Old Trafford after earning his first-team promotion in January 2023. The young midfielder made 35 appearances across competitions for Manchester United last season, contributing five goals and three assists.

He then got the call-up for the 2024 European Championships and went on to impress in an England shirt at the tournament. Mainoo signed a long-term contract with Manchester United last year, that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2027 along with an option to extend a year further.

Despite having two years left on his deal, a recent report from the Daily Mail suggested that United are trying to lock him down on an extension. However, negotiations have reportedly stalled, with Mainoo unconvinced over his future at Old Trafford.

Chelsea have been monitoring the 19-year-old midfielder's situation and are interested in securing his services. Although he has multiple suitors, the Blues are reportedly leading the race to sign him should Mainoo decide to leave Manchester.

On Tuesday (January 7), an Instagram account thesecretscout1 posted an edited picture of Mainoo in a Chelsea shirt with a caption stating the aforementioned rumors.

Cole Palmer, who played alongside Mainoo at the Euro 2024 for England, has liked the post, seemingly indicating his approval of the move. The duo has shared the pitch five times for England, however, hasn't managed any joint goal contribution as of yet.

Cole Palmer likes the Instagram post regarding Chelsea's interest in Kobbie Mainoo. (Image Credit: Instagram/thesecretscout1)

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Fabrizio Romano speaks on Chelsea's reported interest in Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romanoseems to have played down on the Blues' reported interest in Kobbie Mainoo, insisting that it's a 'normal' fascination with a talented youngster.

Although he acknowledged Chelsea do appreciate Mainoo for the player he is, Romano insists that no concrete negotiations have taken place yet.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stated (via TBR Football):

"I think it’s absolutely normal for all top clubs in the world – Chelsea for sure – but also many others to appreciate a player like Kobbie Mainoo."

“How can you not love a talent like Kobbie Mainoo? A guy who was in the academy one year ago, then a fantastic rise with Man United, Euros – don’t forget what this boy did for the English national team as a kid. So, it’s absolutely normal to fall in love with Kobbie Mainoo, especially if you’re an English club," he added.

“But, that’s it at the moment. My headline is not ‘Chelsea like Kobbie Mainoo’ because that’s absolutely obvious and normal. But, the point here for Manchester United is that there are no negotiations with any other club, no bid on the table, the situation is completely quiet. The player is under contract till 2027 plus an option until 2028. So it’s not a desperate situation for them," Romano continued.

Kobbie Mainoo has made 52 appearances for United's senior team, scoring five goals and providing one assist. This season, the England international has featured in 17 games across competitions for the Red Devils.