Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea 'scare' Dortmund off as 'medical booked' for 11th Mauricio Pochettino signing
Chelsea have fended off competition to land Mauricio Pochettino another important transfer.
Emile Smith Rowe could make Chelsea transfer after failing to meet Mikel Arteta demand
Chelsea have reportedly won the race to sign Manchester City starlet Cole Palmer, having fended off serious competition to land the England under-21 man. The Blues have actively been searching for a versatile attacking midfielder since being rejected by Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise and now appear to have found their man, as Todd Boehly and co’s spending spree continues late into the transfer window.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle with Manchester City of £40million plus a further £5m in add-ons to sign Palmer. He is expected to undergo a medical soon after the 21-year-old gave the green light to a move, in the hopes of becoming a key figure under Mauricio Pochettino.
Though there was plenty of interest in the young sensation, who has already made a big impact for Pep Guardiola’s side this season. German outlet Sport 1 have claimed that Borussia Dortmund were interested in signing Palmer, but Chelsea’s offer was enough to scare them out of the competition.
He had been a long-term target of the Bundesliga side, but they have been unable to compete with Chelsea’s offer and since pulled out of the race - clearing the path for Pochettino to get his man despite Noni Madueke, a rival for his position on the right wing, sending a clear message that it will not be easy for Palmer to win a spot in the starting line-up.
Ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup victory over Wimbledon, the Argentine boss admitted that he was expecting further additions. "I know the club is working hard to finish our business," he said. "Can something happen? Maybe yes. At the moment I am only working and letting the club deliver what we want."
Though after the game Pochettino said "I don’t know nothing" when asked about the prospect of Palmer swapping City for Chelsea, but privately the boss will hope that a deal can be concluded so that the forward is able to start training at Cobham ahead of a potential debut on Saturday against Nottingham Forest.
Don't miss...
Man City respond as Chelsea submit opening transfer bid for Cole Palmer [REACTION]
Chelsea target surprise Man City forward signing for Mauricio Pochettino [LATEST]
Man Utd in talks for 'next Fernandes' Joao Neves after brutal Chelsea response [TRANSFERS]
Chelsea’s gain appears to be City’s loss, as Guardiola has spoken glowingly about their academy product prior to his imminent move to Stamford Bridge. After their UEFA Super Cup win in Athens, Guardiola confirmed that Palmer could depart despite another impressive performance on the big stage. "The opinion I had when he arrived is he wanted to leave, but now I don't know what's going to happen," he said.
"I don't think a loan is going to happen. He's going to stay or going to sell, but I think a loan is not going to happen. I understand he wants to be more active than the previous season.
"But Riyad [Mahrez] has gone so we have one more place there. I cannot say anything because, of course, all the decisions need to be made by the club. The club has to decide what the best is. All together, we will do it."