Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their bid to land Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.
United eyeing midfield reinforcements
During the summer transfer window, United failed to secure the services of a midfielder, instead choosing to focus their efforts on bolstering the attacking department.
United brought in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko after a goal-shy 2024/25 campaign in which consistently finding the back of the net was a major issue.
The Red Devils also confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on deadline day. It’s believed that plans are already underway to land a midfielder, potentially as soon as the January window.
Some of the players United are thought to be eyeing are Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Carlos Baleba (Brighton and Hove Albion) and Wharton.
There have been claims that United considered a swoop for Wharton during the dying stages of the summer window, but it became apparently clear that Palace would not sanction exit with very limited time to secure a replacement.
Palace would have also demanded a sum of around £100m to let him join United.
United remain keen on Wharton, who has caught the eye with his calm, composed and assured performances in the middle of the park, since arriving in the Premier League last year.
United’s hopes of landing the 21-year-old have received a big boost, with a new report claiming that he could be available for significantly less than £100m.
United receive fantastic news in chase for Wharton
According to CaughtOffisde, Wharton features highly on United’s transfer wishlist, with Ruben Amorim a big admirer of the player.
He is considered perfect for the brand of football Amorim is trying to implement at Old Trafford.
A source told CaughtOffside, “United see Wharton as the ideal replacement for Casemiro, who’s expected to leave at the end of the season.”
“His ability to dictate play from deep fits perfectly into Ruben Amorim’s tactical setup. They made an approach in the summer, but Palace rejected it outright.”
Wharton could be available in January for £60m, as he aims to play for a big club in Europe to aid his chances of earning an England spot for the 2026 World Cup.
At £60m, adding Wharton to their ranks would be an obvious move for United.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
