Bombshell update: Five-year contract agreed as Adam Wharton picks his next club – report

A red-hot transfer battle is set to erupt in the north west of England as Liverpool and Manchester United lock horns to secure Adam Wharton’s signature, according to the latest report. Marquee Signing The Red Devils are prioritising an overhaul of their engine room this summer, with two new midfielders expected to arrive at Old Trafford. The club’s primary target was understood to be Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, who has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders at the City Ground. However, competition is expected to be fierce for the England international, with Manchester City leading the race, while there is also interest from Chelsea and Bayern Munich. United also remain interested in Carlos Baleba – Brighton & Hove Albion’s 21-year-old enforcer – after making advances to sign the Cameroonian last summer. But it is Wharton who has emerged as INEOS’s priority this summer, with United’s hierarchy wanting the Crystal Palace maestro to be their “marquee signing” after holding talks with his camp, according to a report relayed by The Peoples Person here. However, Liverpool are also on the hunt for Wharton, who moved to Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024, and would make the England squad for the European Championship less than six months later. Liverpool Strike First Transfer expert Nicolò Schira reveals the Merseyside club have tabled a five-year contract to Wharton’s camp – with the 21-year-old midfielder having already accepted the offer. Consequently, Schira contends he is now “getting closer” to completing  a switch to Anfield in what would constitute a devastating blow at Old Trafford. Adam #Wharton is getting closer to #Liverpool from #CrystalPalace. The midfielder has already given his availability to join #LFC with a 5-years contract. #transfers #CPFC — Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) January 26, 2026 Tweet: “Adam #Wharton is getting closer to #Liverpool from #CrystalPalace. The midfielder has already given his availability to join #LFC with a 5-years contract. #transfers #CPFC.” However, it’s understood that Champions League football is a key factor in Wharton’s decision-making process this summer, with the youngster keen to test himself against Europe’s elite next season. At present, United are in the crucial fourth spot, while Liverpool are two points behind in sixth, with a worse goal difference. It is important to note that fifth place is likely to be enough to qualify for the Champions League, given UEFA will award an extra spot to the country with the best coefficient ranking – which will almost certainly be England and Spain. Liverpool’s form has been incredibly sketchy this season, however, while United only have the league campaign to focus on, having suffered early exits from the cups. Chelsea are also in something of a transition, though the west London club have a very favourable run of fixtures coming up, which could put even more pressure on Liverpool. In the end, the battle for Wharton and the fight for Champions League qualification may morph into the same war for the two bitter rivals. Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.