United confident “elite” PL maestro will reject rivals to join them, INEOS already see him as a Red Devil – report

Manchester United are confident Adam Wharton will choose Old Trafford over offers elsewhere this summer, as sources reveal that the Crystal Palace maestro’s price will be slashed on one condition.

Rebuilding the Midfield

The Red Devils are prioritising a revamp of the midfield, as it is the area of the pitch in which INEOS have invested the least since taking the helm in 2024. In this two-year period, five defenders (six, including a goalkeeper), four attackers, and just one midfielder – Manuel Ugarte – have been signed by the hierarchy.

Man United’s signings under INEOS – Ratings

The fact that the 24-year-old Uruguay international has struggled acutely since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in a £50.5 million deal only compounds this issue of underinvestment further.

Despite turning 34 earlier in the week, Casemiro has enjoyed a resurgence this season, particularly after Michael Carrick took the reins from Ruben Amorim on an interim basis.

However, the Brazilian’s contract – the most expensive at the club – is set to expire at the end of the campaign, with United having chosen not to offer an extension. Ugarte’s dismal form means he is also likely to follow his South American teammate through the exit door this summer.

This creates an urgent need for at least two new midfielders to arrive should both depart, with three of the Premier League’s best young options, including Wharton, on the club’s radar.

Elliot Anderson is understood to be the primary target. Competition will be fierce for the Nottingham Forest dynamo, however, as Manchester City are also hot on his tail.

Brighton & Hove Albion enforcer Carlos Baleba is still in United’s crosshairs after a failed pursuit last summer, despite agreeing terms with the Cameroon international. A significant drop in form this season has dampened the hype around the 21-year-old, while the Seagulls will prove difficult negotiators.

Wharton is the third name on United’s list, and a new report reveals there is confidence the English midfielder, who has drawn comparisons to Carrick, prefers a move to the Theatre of Dreams.

A Gentleman’s Agreement

TEAMtalk reveals United believe Wharton would “favour joining them over others.”

Liverpool are the strongest threat domestically, while Tottenham Hotspur have also expressed interest in the former Blackburn Rovers star. However, Real Madrid are also said to be in the hunt as the Spanish giant looks for more playmaking ability in midfield.

“Real Madrid are monitoring him and believe he is capable of becoming a key player for them in the future, but whether they can fend off rival interest from Premier League heavyweights remains to be seen.” Initially, it was believed Palace would demand a fee in the region of £100m for their prized asset, considering the template set by big-money moves for Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo in recent years.

However, well-placed sources indicate Wharton possesses a “gentleman’s agreement” with the Eagles to leave Selhurst Park if a £60-65m offer arrives from a club in the Champions League. This makes United’s recent ascension into the top four all the more important, as it will prove key to striking a deal for a critical target.

Final Thoughts

INEOS are understood to see Wharton as a “Manchester United player in the making”, with a sense he could have a ‘Carrick-like’ impact on the team, given his ability to dictate play from deep.

The fact that Champions League qualification will enable the potential of a bargain £60m deal for the midfield maestro only strengthens the case for pursuing Wharton over his competitors elsewhere in England.

Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

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