Cole Palmer 'could be tempted' by Man City return to reunite with Enzo Maresca

Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer 'could be tempted' by a return to Manchester City, where his former Blues boss Enzo Maresca will be at the helm next season, reports Football Insider.

Neither Palmer nor Chelsea have had the best season. The playmaker returned from injury not himself, and his lack of form has seen him omitted from England's World Cup squad.

The Blues themselves will not play European football next season, finishing 10th in the Premier League after losing to Sunderland on the last day.

There's been speculation about the exits of multiple players as a result, and Palmer is one, with Football Insider reporting he 'could be tempted' by a return to boyhood club City, where Maresca will be at the helm next season.

Indeed, the suggestion is that Palmer could reunite with Maresca, under whom he had a fantastic time at Chelsea.

However, the site's own insider, Pete O'Rourke, has suggested the move is unlikely.

He said: “I’d be very surprised if Cole Palmer made a move back to Man City this summer.

“There’s been a lot of speculation about his future and links with different clubs, but I don’t see Chelsea entertaining any moves for Cole Palmer, especially now they’re going to start this new project under Xabi Alonso.

“Manchester City obviously had Cole Palmer and sold him on to Chelsea so I don’t think they will be rushing out to try and lure him back.

“If he was to leave, it’s not going to be a cheap deal, and maybe Man City financially could afford it, but they’re not going to spend that much money on Palmer.

“There are obvious connections with Man City and with Enzo Maresca as well, that’s probably why there has been talk that it could happen, but I would say there’s no chance really.”

Palmer was Maresca's best player

In his managerial career so far, Maresca has not managed a better player, statistically, than Palmer.

The Chelsea star has made the fourth-most appearances under the Italian boss, scoring the most goals (35) and creating the most assists (21).

He would undoubtedly have a great spell under Maresca again were he to move, but given Chelsea have an elite new manager at the helm, they'll want to keep their best players and see how far Alonso can take them.

While there's also been speculation about the future of Enzo Fernandez, also linked with City, the Blues will hope he, too, remains.