Man Utd close in on signing 'exceptional' Crystal Palace midfielder

Manchester United are reportedly intensifying their interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, viewing the 21-year-old as a potential long-term successor to both Christian Eriksen and Casemiro in their midfield.

The Red Devils, under the stewardship of minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are keen to rejuvenate their squad with young, dynamic talent, and Wharton’s performances since his £18 million move from Blackburn Rovers to Palace in February 2024 have caught their attention.

Wharton, praised as “exceptional” by former Manchester City star Micah Richards following Palace’s victory over Ipswich Town, has established himself as a key player for the Eagles despite a groin injury that hampered his early season.

His seamless transition from the Championship to the Premier League, coupled with his inclusion in England’s Euro 2024 squad, has not gone unnoticed. Sources indicate that Manchester United see Wharton as a player who could replace Eriksen, whose contract expires in June 2025, and Casemiro, whom the club hopes to offload this summer due to his high wages and declining form.

Eriksen, aged 32, is expected to leave as a free agent, with no ongoing talks for a contract extension, while Casemiro, 33, is proving difficult to move due to his £350,000-per-week salary demands, making a departure in 2025 or 2026 more likely.

The interest in Wharton is part of a broader strategy by Manchester United to bolster their midfield, an area identified as needing reinforcement. The club has already signed Manuel Ugarte in the summer, but the Uruguayan is yet to feature prominently, and with Casemiro’s form waning, further additions are deemed necessary.

Wharton is seen as an ideal fit, particularly as a potential long-term partner for young star Kobbie Mainoo, with the duo’s youth—Wharton at 20 and Mainoo at 19—offering the prospect of a midfield partnership that could dominate for a decade.

However, Manchester United face competition for Wharton’s signature. Juventus have also entered the race, disappointed with the performances of their current midfielders, including Douglas Luiz, and are exploring options to strengthen their squad.

Meanwhile, contrary to earlier speculation, Tottenham Hotspur are not currently in the running. Despite previous links, sources clarify that Tottenham’s interest has not materialized into concrete action, leaving United and Juventus as the primary contenders.

Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich have also been mentioned in connection with Wharton, but United’s interest appears the most advanced, with plans to possibly make a formal move in the summer of 2025.

Crystal Palace, aware of the growing demand for their star midfielder, are in a strong negotiating position. With no release clause in Wharton’s contract, the Eagles are expected to demand a premium fee, likely exceeding the £70 million Newcastle offered for Palace’s Marc Guehi in the summer, reflecting Wharton’s rising value and potential.

Palace’s reluctance to sell mid-season further complicates any potential transfer, making a summer move the most likely scenario.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Wharton is part of a broader transfer strategy under Ratcliffe’s influence, which includes offloading high-earners and fringe players to comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), especially given the likelihood of missing out on European qualification next season.

Alongside Eriksen and Casemiro, players like Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, and Antony are also linked with exits, with the latter currently on loan at Real Betis. The funds generated from these departures could be crucial in financing a move for Wharton, who is seen as a cornerstone of United’s midfield rebuild under manager Ruben Amorim.

In summary, Manchester United’s interest in Adam Wharton is driven by the need to replace aging midfielders Eriksen and Casemiro with a young, versatile talent capable of dictating play and forming a long-term partnership with Mainoo.

While competition from Juventus looms, Tottenham’s absence from the race provides United with a clearer path, though Palace’s high valuation and strategic patience will test United’s resolve in the summer transfer window.