Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is one of Manchester United's top targets but will reportedly reject a summer move if the Red Devils fail to secure a spot in Europe. The former Blackburn Rovers midfielder has been earmarked by United ahead of the 2026/27 season. Ruben Amorim sees the midfielder's qualities as a perfect match for the squad he aims to assemble at Old Trafford.
United are optimistic about securing Wharton next summer in a deal worth £70million, according to The Mirror. However, despite his preference for a return to the north west of England, he will not leave Palace to join a team that cannot provide him with European football. Wharton feels prepared to make the leap to a larger club, which includes regularly performing on the grandest stage.
United are absent from Europe this season, following a disastrous campaign previously. They are set to face Palace on Sunday lunchtime after a series of inconsistent results.
The Red Devils have also set their sights on players like Elliot Anderson and Conor Gallagher, but Wharton remains their top choice.
Joao Gomes, the Wolves midfielder, has been rumoured for a potential January transfer. However, United insiders have distanced the club from the Brazilian international.
Wolves have no interest in selling in January as they battle for survival at the bottom of the table, having yet to secure a league victory this season.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish recently expressed hope that Wharton would be prepared to snub a move to United and remain at Selhurst Park next season.
"Look, I think Adam at some point will want to play, either in the Champions League with us, if we could make that happen, or probably with another club," he said.
"He’s an extraordinary talent. I think right now, and I can’t speak for Adam, but I think he’s focused on his time at Crystal Palace.
"He had a broken season last season with the groin issues that he had, which a lot of young players get.
"This season he’s completely focused on putting the games in, getting in the England squad, being a regular for us. I think he’s very committed to the club.
"I mean, if Manchester United want Adam Wharton, that’s nothing surprising really. The fact of the matter is he’s got a long contract to run.
"There’s no pressure on us to do it and I don’t think there’s any real pressure from the player either."