Cole Palmer: Chelsea see £35m bid rejected but Man City open to sale

Chelsea have had an initial £35million bid rejected for Manchester City winger Cole Palmer, who has become the top transfer target before Friday’s transfer deadline.

City are holding out for £50m, but a compromise could be reached at around the £45m mark with Mauricio Pochettino keen to strengthen his attack.

Chelsea have not been deterred by City from making an improved offer for the England youth international, who was part of Euros-winning Under-21 side this summer.

City are open to cashing in on Palmer, and have a strong hand in negotiations with the young star under contract for another three years.

Pep Guardiola is also happy to keep Palmer, who has again started the season as a bit-part player was an unused substitute in the last two Premier League matches.

Chelsea, meanwhile, continue to sound out a variety of options to ensure Pochettino signs the additional attacker he desires.

Barcelona have offered winger Ansu Fati to both Chelsea and Tottenham and Lyon's Bradley Barcola remains an option.

Chelsea failed with an approach for Crystal Palace's Michael Olise a fortnight ago and Spurs are considered favourites in the race for Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is closing in on a move to Nottingham Forest which will help balance the books.