Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is being heavily linked with a blockbuster transfer to Manchester United and his agent has confirmed he has a plan in place
Daniel Orme Football Writer and Neil Docking
08:55, 08 Dec 2025Updated 08:55, 08 Dec 2025
Adam Wharton
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Adam Wharton is a prime target for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim(Image: Getty Images)
Adam Wharton has set his sights on Champions League football as Manchester United prepare a substantial bid for the midfielder.
The Crystal Palace and England sensation sits at the summit of the Red Devils' wishlist as they gear up for a major squad revamp. Any potential transfer won't come on the cheap, though. Wharton, 21, is expected to command around £70m should he depart Crystal Palace in the coming period.
Discussing the midfielder's prospects, his representative James Featherstone has revealed Wharton harbours dreams of competing at the elite level, with a clear roadmap already mapped out to achieve those aspirations. And it couldn't be clearer what Ruben Amorim must achieve this season if he is to lure Wharton to Old Trafford.
Adam Wharton
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Adam Wharton is being eyed by Red Devils chiefs(Image: Getty Images)
Speaking to talkSPORT, Featherstone explained: "When he was at Blackburn we sat down and spoke about shooting for the stars and playing for England.
"So how do you get there? Personally I think to play for England you have to play Champions League, to play in the Champions League you have got to play for one of the top teams in one of the top leagues.", reports the Mirror.
"That jump to a Champions League team, I think you can get lost. The plan below that was to play for a Premier League team".
"We have got a plan. He is 21. I have to check myself to remember that every now and then. It doesn't have to be achieved yesterday, today or this moment.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace celebrates with the FA Community Shield trophy after his team's victory in the 2025 FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2025 in London, England.
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Adam Wharton has been on a skyrocket to the top at Crystal Palace(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
"He has got his in-game, in-season targets and goals. He has got to do his bit and the rest will look after itself in a very structured, calm way to ultimately add value and maximise his ability."
Since joining Palace from Blackburn Rovers last year, Wharton has been a standout performer. He's made 62 appearances across all competitions for the Eagles, playing a key role in their FA Cup victory and securing a spot in Europe, before lifting the Community Shield.
Wharton's performances have also earned him international recognition, with three caps for England under Thomas Tuchel. The midfielder still has three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park.
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He's not the only midfielder on Manchester United's radar though. Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher are also being considered by the Red Devils.
If any of these players were to join United in the near future, it could pave the way for Kobbie Mainoo to leave. The academy graduate is reportedly considering a January move after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim.