Adam Wharton: Man United increases interest after transfer dispute – Man United news and transfer news | The People’s Person

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Manchester United are reportedly “increasing their interest” in Crystal Palace talisman Adam Wharton as the latest twist in the saga of the Red Devils’ summer plans emerges.

Under the eyes of the English elite

Wharton has established himself as one of Europe’s best young midfielders since arriving at Selhurst Park in January 2024.

The 21-year-old technician went from plying his trade for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship to playing for England in the European Championship in the space of six months.

But Wharton refused to let his meteoric rise go to his head, demonstrating off the field the same calculated and measured approach he has become famous for on the field.

The Palace maestro possesses a left foot stick, capable of crisp first passes that pick apart the opposition defence. His in-game intelligence is equally impressive, as he is constantly in a position to help defend transitions, while also helping direct his teammates into their rightful roles.

Wharton is something of a football hybrid: a cross between an old-fashioned English midfielder and a Spanish deep-lying playmaker. His new La Liga teammate Yeremy Pino is convinced he has the “quality” to playing for the Spanish national team.

There is an argument that Wharton lacks the prototypical physicality of a Premier League number 6, as Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba – two of his competitors for a move to Old Trafford this summer – possess. But a football game is largely defined by a player’s ability between his ears and his legs, and here Wharton is almost peerless.

It’s no wonder that United are joined by the rest of the country’s elite in their pursuit of the England international, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur all keeping tabs on him this summer.

However, TEAMtalk reveals the Red Devils are now ready to make Wharton their ‘big signing’ ahead of Anderson and Baleba, despite both being thought to be bigger priorities at Old Trafford.

A blazing chase

The report states that United are stepping up efforts to secure Wharton’s signature, after taking ‘informal approaches’ to gauge his availability.

Almost all the ‘Big Six’ have “registered their interest [and held] preliminary discussions with Wharton representatives” – but it is Liverpool who pose the biggest threat to United.

“Liverpool in particular are seen as aggressive suitors, with sources suggesting they have held fresh talks and Wharton himself is open to a move to Merseyside. Some media are even claiming the Reds are frontrunners and may offer a long-term contract to secure his services,” TEAMtalk claims.

Champions League football is believed to be key to Wharton’s decision-making, with the midfielder ready to test himself among Europe’s elite.

It will be vital that United’s resurgence under Carrick continues for the remainder of the season if the Red Devils are to outdo their bitter rivals in the race for a player who has, ironically, been described as the “next Michael Carrick“.
Featured image Eddie Keogh via Getty Images

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