Manchester United appear to have identified Adam Wharton as their next ideal midfield transfer target.
It’s no secret that Man United are in need of new central midfielders, especially given Casemiro’s age and the uncertainty around Kobbie Mainoo’s future.
Still, the club decided against signing a new midfielder in what was otherwise a busy summer transfer window.
While linked to several potential signings, it seems that one top performer has emerged as United’s preferred choice ahead of the pack.
The race for United’s next midfielder
One player who was strongly linked with United over the summer was Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.
A proven Premier League performer, Baleba was a transfer priority for United this summer, although the club was unable to cobble together the necessary funds to sign the 21 year old.
Even though Baleba is believed to be seeking a January exit, United seem intent on signing Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.
Bid in process
Earlier this week, The Peoples Person relayed that Wharton is set for a contract renewal at Palace, although this doesn’t seem to have deterred United, if a fresh update is to be believed.
After all, it was also reported that Wharton had a gentleman’s agreement with Palace to allow him to leave next summer despite his contract renewal.
Suddenly, it seems that United are ready to take advantage of this predicament.
“Manchester United are plotting a shock £60m raid on Crystal Palace for England star Adam Wharton,” The Daily Star reported.
“United boss Ruben Amorim has kept close tabs on Wharton’s progress and has become a huge fan of the midfielder,” the article claimed. “The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in English football in the last 18 months.”
“Amorim believes Wharton has the technical abilities to be a huge success at United. Palace have not been opposed to selling some of their biggest names, if the price is right. And United believe a bid in the region of £60m would be good enough to lure Wharton to Old Trafford next summer.”
Wharton’s massive impact on Palace has been no secret, with the club winning the FA Cup last season and getting the current Premier League campaign off to a flying start.
The English international would no doubt be a fine addition to Amorim’s squad, with his playmaking abilities surely set to be warmly welcomed by the United supporters.
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
Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
