Manchester United are reportedly interested in Adam Wharton to bolster their midfield and have been sent a clear message from Crystal Palace.
Manchester United have bolstered their attacking options so far this summer after struggling to score goals last season.
A new-look frontline of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško cost the Reds around £200 million and they are expected to improve Ruben Amorim’s strike-force.
Reports are now also suggesting that the Old Trafford outfit will secure the signing of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp to challenge André Onana between the sticks.
But the major question mark remaining is in the midfield, with there still not being a top partner for Bruno Fernandes in the squad.
Carlos Baleba was the number one choice earlier in the window but it was made clear that Brighton were unwilling to sanction a deal this summer and the Reds have since moved on.
United interested in Wharton to bolster midfield
United are likely wondering whether to move in for another midfielder this summer or to wait until next year to see if they can sign Baleba.
Any midfield addition this summer would need to either be cheap – so it doesn’t impact their Baleba chase – or another quality star.
Various reports have suggested that Adam Wharton is one of the players United admire and someone who The Athletic suggested ‘could come into the reckoning’ before deadline day.
Wharton joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 and has made a huge impression in the Premier League since then.
The deep-lying midfielder seems ready to take the next step up but there are certainly no guarantees about a deal this summer.
United receive clear Wharton message from Crystal Palace
Palace having already lost Eberechi Eze to Arsenal and it looks like Marc Guéhi could also leave the South London club before the window closes.
That makes any deal for Wharton infinitely more difficult, especially since his contract at Selhurst Park still has another four years remaining.
Transfer expert Pete O’Rourke has explained that Palace’s message to United is that Wharton is not for sale this summer at any price.
“I’m sure they would love to put a not for sale sign over Adam Wharton’s head,” he told Football Insider. “Look, Palace are fighting to keep hold of their best players this summer. I’m sure the player himself is quite content that Crystal Palace as well, he’s under contract until 2029.
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“It doesn’t surprise me that Manchester United are interested in Wharton. He’s on the list of a number of top clubs, because he’s a top operator and has proved that at Palace and broke into the England squad as well.
“It’d take a huge fee for them to even consider letting him go. They’re losing other players, Palace, so letting Adam Wharton go wouldn’t go down too well with Oliver Glasner.
“Palace are doing everything they can to keep Wharton and I’m told they will not be entertaining any offers for him.”
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