Big United target could still make 2026 move despite talks with current club over new deal – Fabrizio Romano

Manchester United are unbeaten in their last five matches across competitions for the first time since Ruben Amorim took charge in November last year. While the team have improved their form this season, INEOS are already planning for 2026. Further additions are required to sustain their recent rise, and a new midfielder is reportedly at the top of the club’s wish list. United preparing for a midfield revamp Manuel Ugarte’s recent performances have left a lot to be desired, while Kobbie Mainoo remains heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford. The Englishman has struggled for game time this season and according to a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person, he is desperate to join Real Madrid in 2026. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have struck up an impressive partnership in the middle of the park. However, the Brazilian is only under contract until the end of the season, while the Portuguese is also on the wrong side of 30. Amorim is likely to push for a proven name in the middle of the park to help the team take the next step in 2026. Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Angelo Stiller have all been linked with moves to Old Trafford, while Adam Wharton is reportedly on United’s radar as well. Recent reports suggest that the Crystal Palace man is ahead of Baleba on the Red Devils’ wish list. With the player under contract until 2029, prising him away from Selhurst Park is likely to be a costly affair. However, it now appears that INEOS’ pursuit of Wharton may have hit another roadblock. Palace want Wharton stay Speaking on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness Podcast, acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano said that Palace are already working to hand Wharton a new deal. “They want to extend this contract. So Palace are on it. They’ve spoken already to his representative several times about this intention they have to give him a new contract,” said Romano. “At the same time, let’s see what’s going to happen there, because the boy has been super professional already last summer, when he already had some kind of opportunity if he wanted to go. But for Palace, he was untouchable. “Also, in the recent months, we had many rumours, and the boy, again, is behaving in a fantastic way. So Palace are super happy with Adam, and Adam is quite happy with Palace. He understands that he’s probably at the best club to develop in this moment for him.” Romano, however, refused to rule out an exit in the summer, adding: “But then in the summer, you never know, in case there is a big opportunity, a big financial proposal, we have to see what happens.” “So at the moment, there is this intention from Palace to give him a new contract, but we are not yet at the stage where we say, okay, it’s guaranteed, because it’s still early stages of the conversation.” United lack a midfield orchestrator like Wharton in their squad at the moment. The Englishman’s composure, technical ability and eye for a pass could help Amorim’s team find another gear. Adam Wharton Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League8––1–635′ UEFA Conference League3––––134′ UEFA Conference League Qualifiers2––––180′ Community Shield1–1––85′ Total14–11–1,034′ Source: Transfermarkt 🚨 Crystal Palace have opened discussions with Adam Wharton’s representatives regarding a possible new contract, as several clubs express interest in the midfielder. The England international currently believes staying with the Eagles is the best option for his development.… pic.twitter.com/oRijg3v3jf — Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 10, 2025 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.