Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley has expressed a desire to see Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer make the move to Old Trafford, citing what he describes as a visible unhappiness in Palmer's recent performances.

Speaking to Casinolyze, Bardsley stopped short of calling Palmer a discontented player outright, but made clear that something has not seemed right at Stamford Bridge over the past year or so.

"I think Cole Palmer is the key to everything Chelsea are doing but when I've watched him play over the last year or so he hasn't looked like a player who is particularly happy. He's been going through the motions."

Bardsley also questioned whether the arrival of Morgan Rogers could lift Palmer's spirits, acknowledging that injuries have played a part in a difficult period for the 22-year-old. He noted the rumours linking Palmer to United as ones worth taking seriously.

"United would be silly not to have a real look at him if there is anything to it but the problem could have also been this Chelsea squad."

A squad lacking experience and leadership

The former defender pointed to the youthful makeup of the Chelsea dressing room as a contributing factor to Palmer's apparent struggles, suggesting the squad has lacked the senior voices needed to maintain standards day to day.

"They've had a lot of inexperienced players at the club who have dropped below the standards needed without people to get tough with them and lay down what's required and pull people in line, making sure everyone is training correctly every day."

Bardsley did offer one note of hope for Chelsea, acknowledging that additions such as Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson could address the leadership void — though he admitted he would prefer Chelsea not to solve their problems if it means keeping Palmer away from United.

"I hope they don't turn it around to make Palmer happy where he is because I'd love to see him in a red shirt!"

Palmer's ties to Manchester United are well documented — the England international grew up supporting the Red Devils and images of him in a United shirt as a youngster have long circulated among fans of both clubs.