Manchester United have been linked with a new midfield target following reported concerns over Brighton's Carlos Baleba valuation, but their plans could be impacted by other clubs' transfers
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been linked with a new midfield target
(Image: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Manchester United’s plans to target Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton could be impacted by their rivals’ moves in the transfer market.
Ruben Amorim’s side are weighing up moves for midfield targets after signing three forwards this summer. Striker Benjamin Sesko could spearhead a new United attack, flanked by fellow new arrivals Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
United hold an interest in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, but the Seagulls’ asking price of around £100million has reportedly prompted the club to consider Palace star Wharton as an alternative. Unfortunately, the club’s hopes of securing a deal for Wharton could rest upon the futures of Palace’s other star players, Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.
The Independent has reported that United have identified Wharton as an alternative to Baleba due to the latter’s price tag being more than £100m. However, it is said that the Eagles may demand even more for Wharton if they do part with England duo Guehi and Eze.
Guehi is wanted by Liverpool to bolster Arne Slot’s defensive options. The 25-year-old is in the final year of his contract and Liverpool are aiming to sign the centre-back for £35m, while Palace are thought to be demanding £40m.
However, Guehi’s situation has potentially been further complicated by Palace’s interest in midfielder Harvey Elliott, who Liverpool value at the same price. The Sun claims the possibility of a swap deal involving Guehi and Elliott has not been ruled out, which would hamper United’s hopes of agreeing a deal for Wharton.
Adam Wharton playing for Crystal Palace
Manchester United have reportedly identified Adam Wharton as an alternative target
There had been hope that Guehi could stay at Palace this season, which may have meant the Eagles would've been more open to listening to offers for Wharton. However, the club are unwilling to see the defender leave for free next summer. Their interest in Elliott gives Liverpool a chance to strike a swap deal after their first offer for the centre-back was said to be well below Palace's valuation.
Following the club’s Community Shield win last weekend, Palace chairman Steve Parrish said: “Players come and go in football clubs, you know, I mean, it's a life cycle isn't it? Hopefully they're still here. That's what I'd like but we'll see.”
Meanwhile, Palace are said to be considering a move for Elliott as a possible replacement for Eze, who has attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Palace’s talisman has a £68m release clause that is reportedly set to expire on Friday.
If Palace lose only one of Eze or Guehi, the club may be more likely to entertain offers for Wharton. But if Guehi and Eze both leave, they will be even more reluctant to negotiate for Wharton and will be in a strong financial position if fees are received for the pair. The 21-year-old has earned many plaudits since arriving at Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, though his season was disrupted by injuries last term, restricting him to 20 league appearances.
Carlos Baleba celebrates scoring for Brighton
Carlos Baleba has scored four goals in 77 games for Brighton across all competitions
The defensive midfielder is the same age as Baleba, who has similarly impressed in the top-flight since joining Brighton from Lille two years ago. His manager, Fabian Hurzeler, quashed concerns that Baleba was poised to leave the club after missing Brighton’s friendly against Wolfsburg due to a minor knee injury.
"He trained today, he trained yesterday,” Hurzeler said. “So we don’t want to take any risks, but he will be back."
United are keen to improve their midfield options ahead of the upcoming campaign. Amorim primarily relied on Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo in centre-midfield last season.
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