REVEALED: The man behind Chelsea's swoop for Palmer

Chelsea's co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields is being credited for signing Cole Palmer last summer.

The midfielder has been a revelation for Chelsea since his arrival from Manchester City.

And football.london says key to the deal was the presence of Shields.

While was recruited from Southampton, Shields spent nine years at City and watched Palmer come through the club's academy.

It was Shields who championed Palmer's signing when he became available from City.