BRIGHTON are in pole position to take Manchester City’s Cole Palmer on loan.
City boss Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Roberto De Zerbi and his exciting Seagulls — and Palmer needs more game-time to continue his development.
The England Under-21’s future is likely to depend on what City decide to do about fellow academy product James McAtee.
Sheffield United want to take midfielder McAtee on loan again after he helped them win promotion to the Premier League.
The signs are Guardiola will not sanction that move so Palmer, 21, would almost certainly be sent out to gain experience.
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The versatile midfielder/forward made 14 Premier League appearances for City last season.
But only two of those were starts — and both came after they had already won the title.
Back in March, Palmer addressed his lack of game time and inconsistent form.
He revealed: "The season has been tough, I’m not going to lie.
"When I’ve played this season, I don’t think I’ve played to the ability I could have. I don’t really have any complaints to be honest.
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"Maybe I was putting too much pressure on myself, that when I did get the opportunity thinking, 'right, I’ve got to do something here' so I can have a chance of staying in the team.
"It’s been frustrating but I’m not one to stop. The coaches believe in me and they’ve told me that. It’s up to me to prove my ability."