Manchester United's potential move to sign Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba may not be on the cards this summer, with reports stating that a deal for his services could go on to become one of the most expensive in footballing history. And that could see the Red Devils move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton this summer instead, with the duo potentially lining up together if United move for the Cameroon international next year.
The report by The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney states that although United are actively trying to complete a deal for Brighton midfielder Baleba, the south coast club are understood to want around £120million for the physical star, which could scupper a move.
Report: Man Utd Want Adam Wharton Alongside Carlos Baleba
Adam Wharton in action for Crystal Palace
Ruben Amorim is insistent on signing a midfielder who will shape his team together nicely, with the Cameroonian being identified as the best-fitted target. However, that deal could be costly and Wharton has been earmarked as another option.
The England starlet is United's 'preferred alternative', with the Red Devils potentially going for the Palace hero if they can't complete a move for Baleba, or even together - with one arriving this summer and the other in 2026. It's anticipated that Wharton could cost even more than this summer, according to the report - especially given the fact that Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze could be on their way out of the club in the summer months.
However, GIVEMESPORT sources earlier revealed that Wharton could cost £100million for any interested clubs, and so while it's still an expensive deal, it would still save them £20million based on a deal for Baleba that could cost £120million. United's interest remains in the northerner, who grew up in nearby Blackburn Rovers' academy and excelled.
The 21-year-old came through Blackburn's youth ranks before making his first full start in August 2022, aged just 18, quickly becoming one of their most important players in the Championship and thus making the move to Palace last February.
With 44 appearances for the club in all competitions, Wharton has been praised for his bravery, passing ability and ball retention in midfield, something that United need to allow Bruno Fernandes and their new-look attacking trio of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko to flourish going forward. Casemiro has declined in that role, while Manuel Ugarte hasn't fully impressed in his time at the club - and Kobbie Mainoo doesn't seem to be favoured by Amorim alongside Fernandes.
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