Manchester United are preparing a £87m bid to complete a 'bombshell' deal to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, according to a report in Spain.
Ruben Amorim and INEOS believe strengthening the Manchester United midfield in 2026 is an absolute priority, with GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs believing the club will sign two senior players in the position ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Wharton is one of many midfield names linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of next year, with the latest report suggesting that the United hierarchy have decided the Eagles star is the player who can make the difference in the middle of the park.
Man Utd Ready to Make 'Ambitious' Move in the Market
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim looks concerned
According to the report, United are anticipating a summer exit for the rejuvenated Casemiro with the Brazilian's contract currently due to expire next summer.
The Red Devils want to add some more youth and energy into the central midfield area, and they have identified Wharton as a priority target because of his on-field abilities as well as his impressive maturity given he is just 21 years of age.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim celebrates their win against Brighton. Related
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Manchester United have taken the first step towards signing the 22-year-old.
Indeed, Amorim supports the signing and wants INEOS to bring the England international to Old Trafford, with the belief that he can be the 'ideal' signing to boost an area that is clearly lacking under the Portuguese manager.
Crystal Palace are in no mood to sell one of their best players - especially one whose contract doesn't expire until 2029 - on the cheap however, and it will need at least an offer of £87m for them to even consider negotiating with a club like United.
Man United Face Competition to Sign Wharton
Adam Wharton
Not only do United face difficult talks with Palace, but they are not the only Premier League giant interested in taking Wharton away from south London in 2026.
According to the same report, both Arsenal and Manchester City are also keen to land the in-demand Englishman to boost their own squads next year.
Tottenham Hotspur have also made an enquiry for the Eagles star, who is prioritising playing Champions League football in the near future with Palace currently sitting fourth in the standings.
That puts pressure on United both from an on-pitch point of view as well as off the pitch, where they will potentially need to convince Wharton to join them over their esteemed Premier League rivals.
Man United Can Create Dream Midfield Partnership
Adam Wharton in England training gear
Of all the midfield names United have been linked with ahead of 2026 - including Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba - Wharton is undoubtedly the one that creates the most excitement because of the ability he has shown at club and international level.
The 21-year-old is a difference-maker and the Red Devils have the chance to create their dream partnership for the 2026-27 season.
Bruno Fernandes is still a key player for United and Amorim and is adapting more to a deeper role, and it would be interesting to see him alongside Wharton in the centre.
But what seems more likely is that United try and sign Wharton and one more - Anderson, Baleba or someone else - and should they get either of those players, they would have an all-round midfield that would help them or years to come.