Cole Palmer backed to complete Man Utd transfer as worried Chelsea watch on

Cole Palmer was linked with a move to Manchester United in January only for Liam Rosenior to dub him untouchable, but one thing could change matters

Paul Merson has predicted that Cole Palmer will make the switch to Manchester United should Chelsea fail to qualify for the Champions League for 2026/27.

The Wythenshawe-born playmaker was at the centre of intense speculation during the January transfer window, with United reportedly weighing up a surprise swoop for his signature. Reports indicated that the Manchester City academy product was unhappy in the capital, and that he could be set for a return to the north west to wear United red.

Such speculation was dismissed by Liam Rosenior, however, who insisted that Palmer is settled at Stamford Bridge. The head coach, who assumed control from Enzo Maresca earlier this year, also suggested that the 23-year-old - who is tied to Chelsea until 2033 - is off-limits.

That's given his extensive contract and the substantial fee the Blues would demand for his departure. Yet, as the campaign approaches its conclusion, Merson believes that United could prove an appealing destination this summer if Chelsea fail to secure Champions League football.

The pundit wrote in his Sky Sports column: "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.

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"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."

It comes as Chelsea currently occupy sixth position in the Premier League standings heading into their final five fixtures of the campaign, level on points (48) with both Brentford and Bournemouth but ahead on goal difference.

Given that Liverpool are currently seven points clear of the Blues in fifth place, securing a top-five finish by the season's conclusion could prove a considerable challenge - while there remains the possibility of Chelsea slipping further down the table by next month's finale against Sunderland AFC.

Manchester United, by contrast, have experienced a resurgence under Michael Carrick during the second half of the campaign – sitting 10 points ahead of Chelsea in third place with Champions League qualification for 2026/27 virtually secured.

In the market for midfield reinforcements this summer given Casemiro's impending departure at the end of the season, the Reds have been linked with numerous targets in recent weeks.

However, if Merson's assessment holds any weight, then Palmer could emerge as the priority signing over the coming months, albeit requiring tactical adjustments given Bruno Fernandes has, as ever, excelled in an advanced role this term.