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By KIERAN GILL, MAIL SPORT REPORTER Published: 07: 13 AEDT, 28 January 2026 | Updated: 07: 15 AEDT, 28 January 2026 13 View comments Liam Rosenior has rubbished rumours linking Cole Palmer with Manchester United, with the Chelsea head coach insisting his playmaker is ‘untouchable’ and ‘happy’ at Stamford Bridge. Speculation swirled over the last 24 hours that Palmer, a boyhood United fan, would be open to a switch to Old Trafford. The 23-year-old England star has travelled to Italy before Wednesday’s Champions League showdown with Napoli – a game that the visitors need to win to automatically qualify for the last 16 while their Italian opponents must also triumph to stay in Europe. When asked if Palmer is ‘untouchable’ and ‘happy at Chelsea, Rosenior said: ‘Yes, and yes. ’ Pressed on whether Chelsea’s hierarchy had assured him that Palmer will be staying, Rosenior continued: ‘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. ‘It's simple. Cole is an incredible player. I'm not surprised at the timing. A new manager comes in and all of a sudden there are 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. ’ Liam Rosenior labelled Cole Palmer 'untouchable' amid rumours the Chelsea star would be open to a switch to Man United Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling’s exile at Chelsea is nearing its end, though Rosenior declined to expand on his situation at his pre-Napoli press conference. Sterling, 31, is closing in on leaving the Blues with the £325, 000-per-week winger set to miss his 100th game since he last represented them in May 2024. Sources have not said whether Sterling is set to be sold before Monday’s deadline day or if an agreement is close to being struck over the remainder of his contract. However, it is understood talks are ongoing over his exit.
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