Not Anderson: Man Utd now convinced about signing midfielder for £70m
Manchester United have their sights on signing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton at the end of the campaign, according to Sunday Mirror (page 69)
The Red Devils are focused on bolstering their midfield department next summer. They have earmarked Wharton as their number one choice ahead of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
Sunday Mirror add that United would be confident of landing the 21-year-old in a deal worth £70 million, but the player could turn down a move if they don’t qualify for Europe next season.
Wharton is open to a return to the north-west, but he will not leave the Eagles for a club that can’t offer him European football during the 2026/27 campaign.
United boss Ruben Amorim believes the Blackburn Rovers graduate’s quality on the ball makes him an ideal fit for the team he wants to build at Old Trafford.
Wharton would be a fabulous acquisition for United
The Red Devils have had Casemiro as the preferred choice in their number six role, but the Brazilian has been vulnerable due to his limited mobility and work rate.
The club desperately need a young upgrade in their ranks. Manuel Ugarte has failed to provide a solution, and he has been completely ignored by the manager lately.
Wharton would be a fine acquisition for the Red Devils. He is not necessarily known for his passing accuracy, but he has the knack for delivering quality forward passes.
The Englishman also works hard off the ball. He has made four recoveries and almost two tackles per outing this term, and has likewise impressed with his positional sense.
A staggered £70m deal won’t be an issue for the Red Devils, but ultimately, a move could depend on United securing European qualification for the 2026/27 season.
Amorim has previously said he does not want players prioritising a particular competition, but the club eventually need European football to land their desired targets.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .