Willian Dismisses Palmeiras Links on Twitter Amid Manchester United Rumours

Chelsea forward Willian has taken to social media to dismiss suggestions he is set to return to Brazil next season. 

Speculation has emerged in the 29-year-old's homeland about potentially making a switch to Palmeiras. Journalist Sandro Barboza posted a message on Twitter about a future transfer, and the Chelsea man responded in turn:

"Sorry, but I don't have the goal of returning to Brazil and never spoke, or my representative, with any one at Palmeiras," read the post, per Vaishali Bhardwaj of the Evening Standard. "This is nothing but speculation. A big hug!"

Willian has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea since the arrival of manager Antonio Conte, with Eden Hazard and Pedro filling the two wide positions most frequently in the Italian's 3-4-3 system.

There have been rumours about the player's future as a result. As well as the links to the Brazilian side, as noted by Neil Fissler of the Sunday Express, Manchester United are also said to be interested in landing the player.

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Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho has worked with Willian previously. As noted by Simon Peach of the Press Association, it appears there's still a strong bond between the player and the coach:

Willian may not make it into the current starting XI at Chelsea, though it's clear he still has something to offer.

The forward can operate in a number of different positions, whether that be on either flank or through the middle. Willian is quick with the ball at his feet, has limitless energy levels and is also a major threat from set pieces. It's why Conte would be against letting him move away from Stamford Bridge any time soon.

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The Brazilian's form has suffered as a result of being on the sidelines, though, and when he has come into the team lately he's been rusty. 

The Blues, however, already made one mistake in allowing Nemanja Matic to leave the club for the Red Devils, and they won't want to do the same again.

While a move back to Brazil doesn't appear to be on the cards quite yet for Willian, as noted by Fissler there has been interest in the forward from the Chinese Super League too. If he was to go anywhere, a transfer abroad would surely be in the best interests of Chelsea.

Still, with so many games coming up before the end of the year, Conte will be forced into rotating his side due to fatigue and fitness issues. Willian will no doubt get a chance to show what he can do, and at this point it feels imperative he seizes that opportunity with speculation about an exit beginning to intensify.