Liam Rosenior offers Cole Palmer transfer update amid Manchester United rumours

Liam Rosenior has been speaking about the future of Cole Palmer with the Chelsea talisman being linked with a move to Manchester United in recent days

Liam Rosenior has described Cole Palmer as "untouchable" and "happy" at Chelsea while also understanding the timing of the rumours linking him with a move to Manchester United.

Speculation over the last week has claimed the 23-year-old is unsettled at Stamford Bridge and wants a move to United, his boyhood club. Rosenior, though, has rubbished such talk and is excited for Palmer, who has travelled to Naples with Chelsea ahead of their Champions League showdown with Napoli on Wednesday evening, to be back on the pitch.

"Yes [he is untouchable] and yes [he is happy]," said Rosenior. "It's simple, Cole's an incredible player. The guy sitting next to me [Moises Caicedo], I've seen many players in the group [who are incredible].

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"I'm not surprised at the timing. A new manager comes in and all of a sudden there's people unsettled. It's not true. Cole's here, he's very happy and I can't wait to see him back on the pitch."

Rosenior also doesn’t feel the need for assurance from the club’s sporting directors over Palmer's future. He said: "There's no reason for assurance. It's so unrealistic. It's come from nowhere. There's nothing in it. There's no reason to have the conversation. That's where I'm at.

"Cole is very happy. I've had numerous conversations with him. Our thoughts are on how we can make this team better, how he can improve and how I can help him. He loves being here and he wants to be a Chelsea player.

"You can't stop speculation, but some speculation is so far from the truth. There's no point in having a discussion about it."

Chelsea take on Napoli tomorrow night in the final match of their Champions League league phase campaign. The Blues go into the final game in eighth and a win could put Rosenior's side through to the last 16 but it may come down to goal difference. If Chelsea fail to win, the likelihood is that they will be condemned to the playoff round.

Barcelona and Sporting are a goal behind Chelsea (+5). Barca are at home to Copenhagen, Sporting are away at Athletic Club. Man City (+4) face Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium. Either way, Rosenior is expecting a really tough test against Antonio Conte’s side. "This is a very strong team. I think it would have been unfortunate in the recent games that they played.

"The results haven't followed the performances that Antonio's team have given. We know it's going to be a very difficult game in a very special atmosphere. It doesn't change my plans at all because I've been planning for a very difficult game."

On Conte, Rosenior said: "Huge respect for him, firstly as a player, he was a magnificent footballer. He then went on to have an incredible, and still has an incredible career as a coach. I think his passion as a player transmits to the passion in his teams."