Chelsea star Cole Palmer makes first public appearance with influencer girlfriend Connie Grace in London event

Cole Palmer made a first official red-carpet public appearance with influencer girlfriend Connie Grace this week since rumors of their relationship surfaced last summer.

The 22-year-old who has seven goals and five assists already this season after 11 matches for Chelsea, looked dapper in a classic black tuxedo and bowtie, while Connie, a Manchester-based nail artist and influencer, wowed in a daring cut-out black gown in the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London.

The couple have reportedly been seeing each other for around three months and now look to be a real item. Connie, who has over 17,000 followers on Instagram, has quickly endeared herself to fans with her chic fashion sense and warm personality.

She has supported Palmer at several Chelsea matches this season and was also by his side in September when he celebrated winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award. The pair were spotted enjoying a summer break away together in Ibiza earlier this summer.

However, the latest outing was the first time they had officially gone public with their relationship at a specific event. Their relationship appears to be going from strength-to-strength as Palmer often likes Grace's uploads on Instagram.

The former Manchester City academy graduate has become a household name at Stamford Bridge with his consistent dazzling performance, raising Champions League qualification hopes for the Blues. Palmer scored 22 EPL goals in his debut last season and his tally of 11 assists made him the first name on the team sheet.