Manchester United failed to sign a midfielder in the summer window despite going after multiple stars.
Carlos Baleba was the preferred option, but Brighton’s asking price meant a move never materialised. Deadline day moves for Conor Gallagher and Angelo Stiller also failed.
Adam Wharton was also on their radar, but Crystal Palace refused to budge, having already sold Eberechi Eze. The Englishman is seen as the perfect midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo and Baleba in the future.
However, Ruben Amorim might be left disappointed with Teamtalk relaying a report from DaveOCKOP.com that fierce rivals Liverpool might pip them in the race.
Wharton prefers Liverpool
As per the report, the Palace ace prefers a move to Anfield over Old Trafford currently. Real Madrid are also looking at the 21-year-old, which makes the battle even more complicated.
In order to get ahead of the competition, Arne Slot’s side could jump for the England international in January with Palace set to demand more than £60 million.
“The Anfield club has a serious interest in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. The Crystal Palace number 6 is understood to favour a move to Anfield over other suitors.
“Real Madrid is also keeping a key eye on Wharton. Any transfer fee is expected to be in excess of £60 million, including add-ons.
How will INEOS react?
“The N0.20 could make the move to Liverpool as soon as January, depending on how Liverpool approaches the winter window.”
INEOS are reportedly expected to prioritise a move for Baleba in the winter, even being prepared to smash the British transfer record to land their man.
That might hand Liverpool the window of opportunity they need. United pulling off two mega-money deals in the winter remains unlikely.
However, should Adam Wharton not move in January, expect United to go all guns blazing to win the race over their fierce rivals next summer.
Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
