Premier League, European clubs keeping tabs on Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer?

Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer is reportedly attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League and across Europe.

Having been given no guarantees over his playing time at Manchester City after a period spent as backup, Palmer opted to leave the Etihad Stadium in the summer.

City allowed the academy graduate to depart for Chelsea in a £42.5m deal, and the price tag initially appearing to be inflated at a time when co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital were spending aggressively in the market.

However, the transfer has since proven to be one of the best pieces of business of the season, the 21-year-old quickly establishing himself as the club's key player.

A total of 14 goals and 12 assists have been recorded in just 34 appearances, with 19 of those contributions coming in the Premier League.

© Reuters

Possessing a contract until 2030, Palmer is tied to Stamford Bridge in the long term and has consistently suggested that he is committed to the project at the West Londoners.

According to Football Insider, Chelsea officials are willing to hand the England international a pay-rise to take him closer to the club's top earners.

Whether such a move would result in Palmer's deal being extended past 2030 is unclear, yet it is seemingly a sign that Chelsea recognise the increasing value of their chief creator.

Nevertheless, the same outlet indicates that fellow teams in the Premier League and in Europe are contemplating a future offer for Palmer.

© Reuters

Clubs in the "top six" of the Premier League are said to be interested, it not beyond the realms of possibility that Man City may attempt to secure a reunion with a player who they know is a boyhood fan.

That makes a transfer to Manchester United out of the question, leaving Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur as potential destinations, albeit the latter two highly unlikely courtesy of the fee that would be involved in any Palmer sale.

The report adds that Palmer is happy at Chelsea and the club are not concerned of having to fend off interest in the short term, although that may change if Chelsea spend a prolonged period without any European football.

Mauricio Pochettino's side currently sit in 11th position in the Premier League standings and are in the FA Cup semi-finals, where they will play Man City.