Manchester City could not deny Cole Palmer a move to Chelsea after the winger told the club he wanted to leave, according to Pep Guardiola’s assistant.

Juanma Lillo is standing in for Guardiola, who is recuperating in Barcelona after back surgery, and will take charge of Saturday’s game against Fulham.

And the Spaniard admitted that Palmer’s desire was too strong for City to resist, with Chelsea parting with £42.5million for the England Under-21 international.

‘We have to work out the operation that has value for the club as well. On the other side, there is a pride that young player upon player is being created now and starting to give life to the rest of the country, like at Chelsea.

Cole Palmer sealed a £42.5million deadline day switch from Manchester City to Chelsea

City assistant manager Juanma Lillo said that the club could not stand in the player’s way

‘We must be proud and satisfied as Manchester City that we have done this. To deny a footballer the opportunity to do what he wants to do is very difficult.’

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City are allowing James McAtee to re-join Sheffield United on loan until the end of the season, while Joao Cancelo wants to finalise a switch to Barcelona.

Lillo revealed that John Stones is close to a return, while Manuel Akanji is in contention.

‘It’s the same as the previous game but with Pep, there would be more energy,’ Lillo added. ‘We’re in complete contact with Pep all the time.

‘We share our responsibilities as well, we have our roles well defined by him and we will continue on the right path but he obviously continues to intervene. We’re not quite finished in our preparation for the game.

‘I speak very regularly with him, not just in footballing terms. He’s much better and things are taking place the way that they should do. All of us are delighted and are really looking forward to him getting back.’

Palmer broke through at City and Lillo added he is ‘proud’ that City developed a star