Manchester United's pursuit of a top midfield target has hit a potential complication, with reports indicating Crystal Palace's £70m-rated star Adam Wharton is now considering signing a new contract at Selhurst Park.
United's Midfield Overhaul Plans
According to widespread reports, new United boss Ruben Amorim has identified midfield reinforcement as his next major priority after revamping the attack last summer. The need for new faces is considered urgent, with the January transfer window looming.
The situation is driven by several factors. While Casemiro continues to perform, he will turn 34 soon, and backup option Manuel Ugarte is not seen as a long-term successor. Furthermore, captain Bruno Fernandes is injured for the next month, and while the club wants to keep Kobbie Mainoo, his future remains uncertain.
It is understood United hope to eventually sign two central midfielders and have compiled an eight-player shortlist, though many targets may be unattainable until next summer.
Wharton Emerges as a Prime Target
Among Amorim's long-term objectives is Crystal Palace's 21-year-old England international, Adam Wharton. The manager is said to greatly admire the player and is confident of bringing him to Old Trafford – provided United secure European qualification for next season.
Wharton has enjoyed a stellar rise at Palace, winning the FA Cup last season and putting himself in contention for Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad. With his current contract running until 2029, Palace value their prized asset at upwards of £70 million.
However, The Sun now reports that Wharton is weighing up a new contract offer from Crystal Palace, who initially hoped to tie him down back in October. While this would increase his market value further, it could paradoxically smooth a future move to Manchester.
A Potential Olise and Eze Scenario
Palace executed a savvy strategy two years ago with Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, convincing them to sign new contracts that included realistic release clauses. This allowed the players to commit while giving the club control over their eventual departures: Olise joined Bayern Munich for £50m and Arsenal signed Eze for an initial £60m.
If Palace repeat this tactic with Wharton, it could establish a clear and structured path for a future transfer, benefiting all parties. However, having paid Blackburn Rovers an initial £18m with a sizeable sell-on clause, the Eagles will aim to set any release clause as high as possible.
For the January window, United's more immediate options are said to include Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher and Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves, available for around £20m. Other names on United's broader midfield shortlist include Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Bournemouth's Tyler Adams and Alex Scott, and Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller.
