Brighton lead race for Manchester City striker Cole Palmer on loan

Cole Palmer played 18 times for Manchester City and 13 times for the England under-21s. Photo: Getty Images/Julian Finney

Brighton & Hove Albion are leading the race to sign England Under-21 striker Cole Palmer on loan from Manchester City.

Palmer was part of the England squad that won the European Under-21 Championship earlier this month after beating Spain 1.-0 in the final.

City are unwilling to sell Palmer this summer but are open to for him to spend next season on loan, sparking a frenzy for the 21-year-old's signature.

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Burnley and Leicester are also among the many clubs interested in signing Palmer, who also have overseas interest, but Brighton are considered to be at the front of the queue at this stage.

City manager Pep Guardiola and director of football Cheeky Begiristain are both fans of Roberto De Zerbi's style of play and think Brighton would be a great fit for Palmer if he leaves.

Injury problems and tough competition places have limited Palmer to just a family starts in all competitions for City last season and there is acknowledgment that he would benefit from more regular playing time at this point in his career.

City have traditionally been wary of sending their brightest young talents out on loan, but James McAtee won a season on loan at Sheffield United last season and there is a sense a temporary move could benefit Palmer.

With the Saudi side, Ela Ahli is looking to sign City winger Riyad Mahrez this summer and it is unclear if there will be any rethinking of the Palmer situation if the Algerian leaves the club, but under the current circumstances there is hope he will go on loan. If Mahrez leaves and Palmer goes on loan, City are likely to find a replacement.

McAtee should be part of City's team flying to Asia on Wednesday to begin pre-training. -season tour of Japan and South Korea.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder will be given the opportunity to impress on tour as Guardiola continues to weigh his options in midfield.

>»City «have signed midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea and the Croat will be among the travelers, but Ilkay Gundogan has left for Barcelona and doubts remain about the future of Bernardo Silva.