Manchester United have made Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton their top transfer target for the January window, but the 21-year-old could cost the club around £70 million, according to multiple reports.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
United are eager to strengthen their midfield as manager Rúben Amorim continues to reshape the squad. Wharton, who joined Palace from Blackburn Rovers earlier this year, has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders. His performances have drawn attention from top clubs across Europe, but Crystal Palace are expected to demand a high fee to part ways with their star player.
Sources close to the club say Palace are under no financial pressure to sell and are determined to keep Wharton at least until the end of the season. The England youth international signed a long-term contract running until 2029, giving the South London side strong leverage in any negotiations.
Wharton moved to Selhurst Park in February 2024 for an initial fee of around £22 million. Since then, he has impressed under manager Oliver Glasner, showcasing composure on the ball, precise passing, and strong defensive awareness. His maturity in midfield has made him one of the standout performers for Palace this season.
Manchester United, who have struggled for consistency in midfield, see Wharton as a long-term solution. Amorim is believed to view the young Englishman as a key part of his rebuilding project, following mixed performances from current midfielders Casemiro, Sofyan Amrabat, and Mason Mount.
Despite United’s strong interest, Palace chairman Steve Parish has made it clear that the club does not intend to sell their top talent midseason. “If Manchester United want Adam Wharton, that’s not surprising,” Parish told reporters earlier this week. “But he has a long contract, and we’re under no pressure to sell.”
Transfer insiders suggest Palace would only consider a sale if United offered close to £70 million — more than triple the fee Palace paid just months ago. Some analysts believe United could test Palace’s stance with an early bid in January, but a deal is seen as more likely next summer.
Football analyst Fabrizio Romano reported that United’s interest in Wharton is “genuine and advanced,” but added that Palace have “no intention” of negotiating in the winter window. Romano said United’s scouting team has been following Wharton closely since his move from Blackburn and sees him as one of England’s brightest young prospects.
Wharton’s development has been rapid. After breaking through at Blackburn, he quickly adapted to the Premier League and became central to Palace’s plans. His ability to control tempo and link play between defense and attack has drawn comparisons to England internationals Declan Rice and Michael Carrick.
For United, signing Wharton would mark a major step in their long-term rebuild under Amorim. However, any move in January will depend on budget flexibility and player availability. The club is also reportedly considering other midfield options, including Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Benfica’s João Neves.
If Palace refuse to negotiate in January, United may revisit the pursuit next summer, when player movement and budgets are typically more fluid. For now, Wharton remains focused on his current club’s campaign, helping Palace push toward the top half of the Premier League table.
Whether Manchester United can convince Crystal Palace to part with their rising star remains uncertain. What is clear is that Wharton has emerged as one of England’s most sought-after young midfielders — and his next move could become one of the biggest stories of the 2025 transfer market.
