Manchester United are reportedly pursuing Adam Wharton as an alternative to Carlos Baleba, as Ruben Amorim remains intent on a new midfielder.
According to an update by French journalist Sebastien Vidal, Manchester United have switched their attention towards Adam Wharton after the Carlos Baleba update. The Red Devils might pursue the Crystal Palace star, who is seemingly valued at £70 million, and seen as a cheaper alternative to the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder.
Manchester United fans would have been distraught at the news of the club halting their pursuit of Carlos Baleba. David Ornstein confirmed the club were no longer proceeding with the midfielder’s chase due to several key factors, although Ruben Amorim remains hopeful of landing a new midfielder before the deadline.
Brighton & Hove Albion have been uninterested in selling Baleba, and the price would have proved prohibitive for Manchester United. Amorim’s side opened formal talks with the Seagulls, only to be told to stay clear of the Cameroonian international.
Amorim’s side take on Arsenal on Sunday, and while they have conducted good business in the market, they might be a midfielder short. Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand remains a target, as Amorim would be interested in reuniting with the Dane following their time together with the Lisbon giants.
Another name that Manchester United could view as a viable alternative to Baleba is that of Adam Wharton. The England international has been tremendous for Crystal Palace since arriving there, and he is reportedly valued at £70 million by the Eagles.
Manchester United are interested in Adam Wharton
Manchester United could view Wharton as a viable alternative, despite some previous reports stating the midfielder could wait another season to join Liverpool. The Red Devils could potentially provide the £70 million-rated Premier League midfielder an opportunity to make the switch to a big club capable of challenging for major honours, but any move might be challenging.
While Adam Wharton is in no rush to leave the South London club and considering the time remaining in the transfer window, Crystal Palace are likely to demand significantly more than the £70 million mentioned.
Moreover, the South London outfit might find it challenging to find an able replacement for Wharton, which might compel them to rule out an exit for the midfielder in this window. Manchester United may have to search for other alternatives, but they could still make an approach to take their chances with Crystal Palace.