Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior dismissed those claims as false, before describing the former Manchester City midfielder as “untouchable.” It has subsequently been reported United will not pursue the England international as he would be too expensive. This wouldn’t surprise Shearer, who believes United couldn’t have tempted him away from Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: “I’ve read the reports and I listened to Liam Rosenior after the games saying how happy Cole Palmer is. I mean, he didn’t do so bad against Napoli for Chelsea when he came on, and they were under the cosh.

“I wouldn’t get too carried away by those reports. If it was Cole coming out and saying that, then I would get it and perhaps understand it. I would say the same as what I’ve said before. For someone of that standard and how much it would cost to then put yourself in that position to go somewhere else and back to Manchester, that would be a big ask too. I wouldn’t get carried away with those reports as yet.”

Palmer is also a lifelong United fan, which added further weight to speculation surrounding a potential move to Old Trafford. Nevertheless, United are not anticipated to be pursuing an attacking midfielder.

A defensive midfielder represents a more pressing concern, with Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace midfield powerhouse Adam Wharton topping their wishlist.

Even if Palmer was experiencing homesickness, Shearer reflected on his own battles with being away from home to suggest Palmer will probably overcome it. The Newcastle United icon added: “I know what it’s like to get homesick, when I left home at 15.

“But it’s not as if I could just jump back on a train from Southampton to Newcastle. You sort of get used to that. I don’t know his situation, who or what he’s with in terms of partners, but you have to take that into account as well. I got homesick, but it’s not as if Palmer can just run back at the first sign of it, is it?”

Palmer has registered five goals and two assists for Chelsea across all competitions this season. Injuries have disrupted his campaign, but his performance in Naples indicates he is returning to peak condition.