Liverpool 'enter the race' to hijack Man United's approach for £60m Premier League midfielder
Man United have had a keen interest in the midfielder for several months but now face competition from Liverpool.
Manchester United’s summer transfer business helped to improve Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad; however, one of the positions they failed to address was in central midfield, specifically the holding role alongside Bruno Fernandes.
They tried to sign Brighton’s Carlos Baleba; however, the Seagulls set a price tag of over £100m, which United couldn’t match, and they had also been linked with several other central midfield targets.
It is likely a position that United could address in the January transfer window, with a Premier League midfielder one of the main targets for the Red Devils, however, it seems that they will have significant competition for his signature.
Liverpool and Newcastle in the race for United target Wharton
Man United have been long-term admirers of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who is regarded as one of the most promising and talented holding midfielders in the Premier League.
It is understood that United did make contact over a move for Wharton in the summer, but Palace didn’t want to sell him, especially considering they already sold Eberechi Eze to Arsenal during the window.
According to a report by TeamTalk, United now face significant competition for Wharton in January, as Liverpool have ‘entered the race’ to land the 21-year-old Palace star. The Reds are looking to add more defensive reinforcements, and bringing Wharton into midfield would help to bolster their squad.
Newcastle are also credited with interest, as the Magpies aim to use some of the profit they made on Alexander Isak to boost Eddie Howe’s squad and help them in their Champions League campaign this season.
It is understood that Crystal Palace don’t want to sell Wharton, and have set a hefty asking price of £60m on the midfielder. The English star hasn’t yet spoken about any desire to leave, and if Palace end up selling Marc Guehi in January, they could be even more reluctant to sell Wharton.
Man United could complete double Palace swoop
Wharton isn’t the only Crystal Palace player that United have been linked to in recent months, as they had also been suggested as suitors for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
With Benjamin Sesko’s lack of experience in the Premier League, and the fact that United were able to offload Rasmus Hojlund, they could decide to bring in a more experienced striker to play alongside Sesko and help him to develop.
If Amorim wants a proven goal scorer in the league, Mateta would be a great addition for the Red Devils, and it is understood that he will command a £40m transfer fee based on what Palace would like for the French number nine.
Last season, the 28-year-old scored 17 goals in 46 games for Oliver Glasner’s side, and this season he is already off the mark, scoring three goals: One in the Premier League, one in the Conference League qualifiers and one in the Community Shield against Liverpool.