MAURICIO POCHETTINO was not keen on Chelsea signing Cole Palmer in the summer.
The former Manchester City star has hit the ground running since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
He has scored four goals in 11 games – all from the penalty spot – and held his nerve to equalise in the last minute in the recent 4-4 draw with City.
Palmer, 21, earned his first call-up to the England senior team but Pochettino was reportedly unsure about signing the forward, according to the Daily Mail.
The Chelsea boss had to be persuaded to sanction Palmer’s transfer as he felt there were already enough attacking wide players in his squad.
The Blues had been linked to Michael Olise but were left with Palmer after the winger signed a new contract with Crystal Palace.
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Pochettino was eventually persuaded to green-light the transfer by director of recruitment Joe Shields, the report claims.
Palmer will be hoping his performances for his club earn him a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.
Jamie Carragher believes he has a chance of making it up but believes it is a toss-up between Palmer and Gordon.
He said: “Now, Cole Palmer was in the last squad. He’s been outstanding since he went to Chelsea.
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“Cole Palmer has actually superseded Gordon in terms of getting into the England squad.
“Which may be a little bit harsh or he might feel a little hard done by, Anthony Gordon, considering what he’s done for the national team in the summer.
“But, for me, if he continues how he’s going I think it could be a toss-up between him and Cole Palmer.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
