Mauricio Pochettino praised his debutants in Chelsea's Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon — but refused to be drawn on reports claiming Cole Palmer is on his way to Stamford Bridge. 

It took a first goal from Enzo Fernandez in the second half to finally see off the challenge of the League Two Dons and seal a 2-1 victory following Noni Madueke's equaliser from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time. 

Earlier, James Tilley's penalty had given Johnnie Jackson's side a shock lead at Stamford Bridge after goalkeeper Robert Sanchez raced from his goal and collided with Harry Pell. 

The young trio of Mason Burstow, Ian Maatsen and Diego Moreira all started for the first time in an unfamiliar Chelsea line-up but it took the introduction of Nicolas Jackson and Fernandez for the hosts to finally settle the tie. 

Pochettino was asked afterwards about the impending arrival of Palmer, with Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly having agreed a £40million fee for the forward. 

But the Blues boss said: "I don't know anything at the moment. I cannot talk about players that don't belong to us. 

"What I can say is nothing at the moment. The club didn't tell me. I don't want to talk about a player that has still not signed. 

"Maybe yes, maybe no. Maybe you know better than me what is going on."

Of the performance against the Dons, he added: "It was tough. That's the beauty of the competition, of the cups. 

"I think for the circumstances we have in the squad at the moment, many players that were involved today, I'm happy with the performance. 

"Many players that made their debut here and it's tough first time. Many positive things."

Pochettino added that Marc Cucurella, who played 90 minutes at left-back despite reports the club are in negotiations over a switch to Manchester United, remains a part of his plans. 

He said. "I don't know anything. All the players that are involved every day on the training ground with us are in our plans. 

"If something happens in the next few days, we will communicate to you."