Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear he did not sanction the signing of Cole Palmer from Manchester City.

The Argentine said that the idea to sign the youngster came from the club’s sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.

The 21-year-old England youth team star was unveiled as a Blues player on Friday.

Palmer left the Premier League champions for an initial fee of £40 million.

Despite not being his idea, Pochettino hailed the English player, saying he fits into his project.

Addressing his pre-match press conference ahead of the Blues’ clash against Nottingham Forest, Pochettino said: “I think the sporting director and the owner, of course, but the sporting director, it was his idea to add him to the squad. I think he’s fit for the project. Talented player, of course.”