Crystal Palace have expressed an interest in a rising Chelsea prodigyplaceholder image
Crystal Palace have expressed an interest in a rising Chelsea prodigy | AFP via Getty Images
Manchester United and Chelsea are both keen to sign the same player, which could induce a bidding war.
Man United’s transfer situation is currently that they aren’t expected to make any big-money signings in January. They spent over £170m in the summer, and so will look for cheaper solutions, and then likely invest heavily again at the end of the season.
However, they are also keen on Wolves’ Joao Gomes, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, and it seems they have rival interest in one of their targets from Chelsea, who are always prepared to spend big in the transfer market.
Chelsea to rival Man United for Wharton
United have been linked to Wharton for several months now, with reports suggesting they could make a move for him at the end of the season. The 21-year-old has impressed in the Premier League under Oliver Glasner, and it seems he will be subject to interest from a lot of big clubs.
According to TeamTalk, Chelsea has placed Wharton atop of their transfer wish list, meaning that United could face serious competition to sign the midfielder, as Chelsea can offer Champions League football, and likely a better chance at winning a Premier League title in the short term.
Wharton is expected to cost over £60m, with Palace very keen to keep hold of him, so with high demand, they could drive the price up closer and closer to £100m, which is how Forest values Anderson.
The English midfielder has made 14 appearances this season, including in the Premier League and Europa Conference League, and is becoming one of the most reliable and solid holding midfielders in English football.
How could Man United fund a deal for Wharton?
The biggest issue with a move for the Palace midfielder for United is the fact that they will need to fork out a hefty fee to bring him to Old Trafford. It means they will likely make a couple of sales in January to help boost their budget heading into the crucial summer transfer window.
Striker Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with leaving the club, with interest from Premier League clubs and in the Serie A. Tottenham, West Ham and Brighton have all been named as potential destinations for the Dutchman, who has failed to hit the ground running since moving to Old Trafford in 2024.
Furthermore, Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with a loan move away as he wants more game time ahead of the World Cup. Based on the fact that Amorim has only used Mainoo in a limited capacity, a loan-to-buy deal could be possible, but it isn’t clear yet how much United would be able to get for the promising 20-year-old midfielder.
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