Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has been linked with a move to Manchester United, and the Reds will get a close look at the England international at Selhurst Park on Sunday
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is set to be in demand when the summer transfer window opens
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is set to be in demand when the summer transfer window opens
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Last month, those who attended Old Trafford for Manchester United's dismal defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion were left disappointed, and not just because of the result. If you were supporting the Reds, the performance of Carlos Baleba for the visitors would have also been a let down.
The Cameroonian arrived knowing all eyes were on him at the Theatre of Dreams. However, if he was playing for a contract at United next season, it is fair to say he did not do enough. Baleba was replaced midway through the half and United were left counting their blessings.
On Sunday, another audition for midfield will take place as United travel to Crystal Palace for the lunchtime kick-off. In Oliver Glasner's ranks is Adam Wharton, a player who can seemingly do no wrong at present. His performances for the Eagles have earned him call-ups to the England squad and he remains one of the standout stars in the Premier League.
His long-term future is unlikely to be at Palace with a host of regular Champions League competing clubs lining up to launch bids for the midfielder in the summer. If Wharton excels on Sunday afternoon there could be clamours for United to win the race for him but if the audition is a success, there are reasons why Ruben Amorim & Co should not act on it.
The main issue is Wharton not being the midfielder which United need right now. The 21-year-old has excelled as a playmaker but has less experience being the anchor in the middle.
United's priority in the summer will be to sign a midfielder to replace Casemiro. Whether the Brazilian stays or goes, the Reds need to plan for the future and signing a young defensive midfielder should be the priority.
Wharton is the right age but bringing him in to be the first choice for a role he isn't as comfortable in, would be a waste of money. Speaking of which, his price tag could also push United out of the contest.
It has been reported Palace would want at least an eye-watering £100m for Wharton in the summer before allowing him to exit. He remains under contract for four more years after this season so the Eagles will be feeling relaxed and ready to wait to receive the figure they want.
Whether United have the facilities to give Palace the money they want for Wharton is neither here nor there, if they are going to spend that amount, they need to buy a player who leaves few questions about his suitability. The Reds cannot afford to pay so much money and then misuse him.
If Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes or both were to leave in the summer transfer window, a move for Wharton and paying such a huge sum would make sense. If you want to buy best in class, you have it right there. He would slip into the midfield perfectly alongside a team=mate who can sit in and allow Wharton to influence attacks.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe once said of United they are the 'dumb money' due to their ability to spend big sums on players who are not worthy of such fees. Wharton would be a great addition to any team, including United, but as things stand it would be dumb to spend £100m on a player who is a square peg for a round hole at this club.