Chelsea travel to the North East to face Sunderland on the final day of the Premier League season.
The Blues have endured a difficult campaign, during which both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior have been sacked.
Calum McFarlane is now in caretaker charge of the west London club, but he will take charge of his final match at The Stadium of Light on Sunday before Xabi Alonso takes the hot seat this summer.
Ahead of their trip to face the Black Cats, it has emerged that one of Chelsea’s biggest stars could join a fierce rival.
As per Football Insider, Cole Palmer could be tempted by the prospect of a return to former club Manchester City, who will be managed by ex-Chelsea boss Maresca next term.
The Englishman joined Chelsea from Man City back in 2023 and registered a combined 72 goals and assists across his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer has struggled this season (Photo: MB Media Solutions/Alamy)
Palmer’s form has dipped considerably this term, in part due to injuries, and the midfielder controversially missed out on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup this summer.
Maresca previously managed Palmer during his spell in charge at Chelsea, and the Spaniard is expected to succeed fellow countryman Pep Guardiola who will leave the Citizens after their game against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Palmer, 24, has more than seven years remaining on his current contract with the Blues, and the report suggests that a return to City is currently unlikely, despite the player being open to the idea.
During his time at The Etihad, Palmer made 41 appearances for City, scoring six times and registering two assists.
He netted in both the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup final shortly before departing City, although Guardiola’s side lost the former on penalties.
