'Mad talent' - Rio Ferdinand gives verdict on Man City youngster Cole Palmer

Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has hailed the quality and the confidence of Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer.

The versatile attacker, who celebrated his 21st birthday in May, has made an encouraging start to the new campaign, scoring two goals in just three appearances. He fired City ahead in stunning fashion against Arsenal in the Community Shield at Wembley before bagging the equaliser against Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup last week.

As a result of those two goals, Palmer has doubled his goals tally for the whole of last season already, meaning his hunger to continue on the same trajectory is only likely to increase. He has been linked with leaving the club on loan this summer to aid his development and offer him more frequent game time.

Palmer, who has been linked with West Ham United, has stored just ten minutes worth of Premier League football under his belt in City's first two league outings this season, appearing as a late substitute in the 3-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on the opening night of the season.

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Whatever happens in relation to his short-term future ahead of the transfer window slamming shut next week, Ferdinand, who is a big fan of the City youngster, believes he has high confidence levels that work hand hand-in-hand with his performance levels.

Ferdinand, speaking on Vibe with Five, said: "One guy I want to talk about is Cole Palmer. Interesting to see how it plays out this window. I think he just wants to play more regular football.

"[He is a] mad talent. Do you know what I like about him? He's got the mad confidence.

"He comes out for the warm-up before a game and he knows