Tottenham Hotspur on alert as Manchester United prepare decisive move for Adam Wharton.
Tottenham Hotspur on alert as Manchester United prepare decisive move for Adam Wharton.
Tottenham Hotspur on alert as Manchester United prepare decisive move for Adam Wharton
Tottenham Hotspur remain part of the conversation around Adam Wharton, but the latest developments place their rivals in a much stronger position, as Manchester United have decided to move quickly in an effort to seal a deal before Liverpool enter the race.
According to a reliable transfer insider, in a report carried by CaughtOffside, United have already submitted an offer for the Crystal Palace midfielder. The insider added that his contacts inside Old Trafford expect the club to push forward immediately, which increases the urgency surrounding the deal.
He also noted that Ruben Amorim is confident about convincing the 21-year-old to join his project and believes he can present a clear plan before Liverpool make their formal approach. This adds further pressure on all parties as talks continue to develop.
Tottenham Hotspur on alert as Manchester United prepare decisive move for Adam Wharton.
Tottenham keep facing setback in a potential Adam Wharton deal
Meanwhile, Spurs must also contend with Chelsea, as the Blues continue to monitor the situation closely while Crystal Palace remain firm on their valuation of the midfielder. This has pushed the asking price to a level where any club will have to stretch its limits to secure his signature.
Palace signed Wharton early in 2024 and still view the 21-year-old as an integral part of their long-term project. As a result, they are trying to resist approaches from interested clubs unless someone comes close to meeting their valuation. That stance complicates Manchester United’s early move just as much as it affects Liverpool and Spurs. Even so, United’s speed has shifted the tone of the negotiations, and with several major clubs now in the race, Palace are likely to wait for the strongest proposal before making a decision.
Frank’s system will suit Wharton, but Tottenham face a steep battle
Spurs see the appeal in Wharton because his control in tight areas, sharp decision-making, and composed distribution align well with Thomas Frank’s preference for a midfield that moves the ball with direct intent while maintaining strong defensive discipline. This link becomes even clearer when compared with Frank’s previous work at Brentford, where his midfielders were tasked with guiding the build-up and shutting down space aggressively.
The Englishman’s calmness under pressure strengthens his case, but Spurs must still think carefully about their options. Other targets, Hugo Larsson offers a broader running profile, while João Gomes brings a more physical presence that could prove valuable in tougher matches.
However, the main challenge with Wharton is the level of competition. Tottenham know they trail Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea in financial power and recent results, meaning they would need a strong proposal built around guaranteed minutes and a clear development plan to convince the player.
Crystal Palace may once again demand a fee close to £100 million, and that figure alone could force Spurs to reconsider how far they are willing to go. Spending that much in the next window requires real conviction and a willingness to compete financially with wealthier rivals. In truth, Tottenham remain part of the conversation, but the final outcome will depend on Wharton’s decision and whether Spurs are ready to commit at a level that truly stretches their limits.