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Manchester United have been told why Bruno Fernandes being in their squad next season is unlikely if they pursue a deal for Cole Palmer. United have been linked with the signing for the Chelsea talent in recent weeks, whilst Fernandes' prospects at Old Trafford have also been mentioned on the rumour mill.

Palmer left Manchester City in 2023 to join Chelsea, but was a United supporter in his youth, which has sparked rumours that a switch to the Red Devils might materialise this summer.

Fernandes was strongly linked with a transfer to the Saudi Pro Leaguelast summer, but chose to stay at United for another campaign, and the rumours of a possible exit in future persist.

The Portugal international has a deal at Unitedrunning until summer 2027, with the Red Devils holding the option to extend the contract by an additional 12 months.

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Given the continuing uncertainty, former Premier League star Jermaine Pennant believes it's improbable that United would sign Palmer, unless they were to approve Fernandes' departure, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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“I think it all depends on what happens with Bruno Fernandes,” Pennant stated, speaking on behalf of BetSelect.co.uk.

“He's obviously not getting any younger. If the Saudi clubs come back in for a whopping £100 million plus, I think they may potentially think, 'Okay, thank you and bring in Cole [Palmer]'.

“But I don't see why they'd bring in Cole and then have Bruno as well, both kind of the same position. Unless they're looking to drop Bruno a bit deeper.

“But if you've got a player of that calibre saying, ‘I'm unhappy and I want to come to your club or come back home’, the alarm bells are going to start ringing and maybe having questions about it because he's a fantastic player.

“I would be surprised [if Palmer left] because I think Chelsea have kind of built a project, a lot of young players, for the past two seasons, been evolved around Cole Palmer.

“You would say that, obviously not in the league position at the minute, but maybe they're in a better place at present. So yeah, it would be a shock to see him leave to go to Man United.”

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