Manchester United have been linked with a move for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, but could be left empty-handed by Chelsea and Liverpool
03:16, 15 Aug 2025
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 pursuit of Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton could be influenced by the transfer activities of their rivals.
Ruben Amorim's squad are considering midfield options after bringing in three forwards this summer. Striker Benjamin Sesko is set to lead a revamped United attack, supported by fellow newcomers Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
United have shown interest in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, but the Seagulls' hefty £100million asking price has reportedly led the club to consider Palace ace Wharton as an alternative. However, United's chances of landing Wharton could hinge on the futures of Palace's other star players, Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.
Adam Wharton playing for Crystal Palace
Manchester United have reportedly identified Adam Wharton as an alternative target(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
The Independent reports that United have earmarked Wharton as a potential substitute for Baleba due to the latter's price tag exceeding £100m. Yet, it's suggested that the Eagles might demand even more for Wharton if they decide to part ways with England pair Guehi and Eze.
Liverpool have set their sights on Guehi to strengthen Arne Slot's defensive line-up. The 25 year old is in the last year of his contract and Liverpool hope to secure the centre-back for £35m, while Palace are believed to be holding out for £40m, reports the Manchester Evening News.
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However, Guehi's circumstances have potentially become more complex due to Palace's pursuit of midfielder Harvey Elliott, whom Liverpool rate at the same fee. The Sun reports that the prospect of a swap deal featuring Guehi and Elliott hasn't been dismissed, which could scupper United's ambitions of securing a deal for Wharton.
There had been optimism that Guehi might remain at Palace this season, which could have made the Eagles more receptive to entertaining bids for Wharton. Nevertheless, the club are reluctant to allow the defender to depart on a free transfer next summer.
Carlos Baleba celebrates scoring for Brighton
Carlos Baleba has scored four goals in 77 games for Brighton across all competitions(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
Their pursuit of Elliott presents Liverpool with an opportunity to arrange a swap deal after their initial bid for the centre-back was reportedly significantly below Palace's asking price.
After the club's Community Shield triumph last weekend, Palace chairman Steve Parish commented: "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 reportedly weighing up a move for Elliott as a potential successor to Eze, who has caught the eye of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Palace's talisman carries a £68m release clause that is said to expire on Friday.
Should Palace part with just one of Eze or Guehi, the club might be more inclined to consider bids for Wharton. However, if both Guehi and Eze depart, they'll be even less willing to discuss terms for Wharton and will find themselves in a robust financial position should transfer fees be secured for the duo.
Eberechi Eze
The deal could rest on any potential Eberechi Eze transfer(Image: Getty Images)
The 21 year old has garnered widespread praise since his move to Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, although injury setbacks hampered his campaign last term, limiting him to just 20 league outings.
The defensive midfielder shares the same age as Baleba, who has likewise made his mark in the Premier League since his switch to Brighton from Lille two years ago. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler dismissed speculation that Baleba was set to depart the club after he sat out their friendly against Wolfsburg due to a minor knee problem.
"He trained today, he trained yesterday," Hurzeler explained. "So we don't want to take any risks, but he will be back."
United are eager to bolster their midfield ranks ahead of the new season. Amorim largely depended on Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo in the engine room during the previous campaign.
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