Liverpool and Manchester United’s summer transfer business could clash as Ruben Amorim’s side eye up a deal for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim may have an issue(Image: Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Manchester United’s chase for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton could be disrupted by Liverpool’s transfer ambitions. Ruben Amorim’s team are eyeing midfield options after recruiting three forwards this summer.
Newly signed striker Benjamin Sesko is poised to spearhead a rejuvenated United attack, flanked by fellow new arrivals Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Having bolstered their attacking line-up, United have now turned their attention to Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
However, Brighton’s hefty asking price has reportedly led the club to consider Palace star Wharton as a potential alternative. Yet, United’s chances of landing Wharton could depend on the future of Palace’s other key players, Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.
The Independent reports that United have earmarked Wharton as a possible substitute for Baleba, whose price tag is believed to exceed £100million. However, it’s suggested that Palace might demand an even higher fee for Wharton if they lose England duo Guehi and Eze.
Carlos Baleba has scored four goals last season(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
Liverpool are reportedly interested in Guehi to bolster Arne Slot’s defensive options. The 25-year-old is in the final year of his contract and Liverpool are hoping to secure the centre-back for £35m, while Palace are thought to be holding out for £40m, reports the Mirror.
The defender is keen on the move, but negotiations appear to have stalled with both clubs far apart on his valuation.
However, Guehi’s circumstances at Palace have become increasingly complicated by the club’s pursuit of Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who carries the same valuation. The Sun suggests that a swap arrangement involving Guehi and Elliott remains a possibility, which could scupper United’s ambitions of landing Wharton.
There had been previous optimism that Guehi might stay at Palace for another campaign, potentially leaving the Eagles more open to entertaining bids for Wharton. Nevertheless, the club aren’t willing to allow the defender to depart for free next summer.
After Palace’s Community Shield triumph last weekend, chairman Steve Parish commented: “Players come and go in football clubs, you know, I mean, it’s a life cycle isn’t it? Hopefully they’re still here. That’s what I’d like but we’ll see.”
Manchester United have reportedly identified Adam Wharton as an alternative target(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Palace are reportedly targeting Elliott as a potential successor to Eze, who has attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Eze’s release clause stands at £68m, but it’s understood to be expiring on Friday.
Should Palace lose just one of Eze or Guehi, the Eagles might be more willing to entertain offers for Wharton. But if both Guehi and Eze exit, they’ll become even more resolute about keeping the midfielder and will enjoy a stronger financial footing following potential transfer revenues from the pair.
The 21-year-old has received widespread acclaim since his move to Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, although injuries disrupted his last season, restricting him to just 20 league appearances.
Baleba, also 21, has similarly impressed in the Premier League following his transfer to Brighton from Lille two years ago. His manager, Fabian Hurzeler, quashed rumours that Baleba was set to leave the club after missing Brighton’s friendly against Wolfsburg due to a minor knee issue.
“He trained today, he trained yesterday,” said Hurzeler. “So we don’t want to take any risks, but he will be back.”
United are keen to strengthen their midfield ahead of the upcoming season. Last campaign, Amorim primarily relied on Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield.