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Manchester United is reportedly preparing a huge bid for Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton with club officials believing that such an offer could persuade the Eagles to part ways with their coveted playmaker.
Despite midfield reinforcement being a priority last summer, the Red Devils were unable to bolster this area, but they have plans to do so ahead of the next season as Ruben Amorim's preferred duo of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have faced criticism this season.
Amorim has been closely monitoring Wharton's development at Selhurst Park and is said to be a big admirer of the midfielder, according to The Daily Star, while Liverpool has also been linked with a move.
The Portuguese coach reportedly believes that the gifted 21-year-old possesses the technical skills needed to excel at United, who could launch an $80 million (£60m) bid.
The report also suggests that both Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro are likely to depart Old Trafford. Mainoo hasn't started a Premier League match this season and could potentially join Napoli on loan in January, while Casemiro's contract expires next year.
Wharton is one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier League following his impressive rise over the past two years.
The United target emerged as one of Blackburn's top players before moving to Crystal Palace from the Lancashire club for $24M (£18m) in February 2024.
Wharton quickly adapted to the Premier League and secured a place in Gareth Southgate's squad for the Euros that summer.
The midfield maestro has carved out a crucial role under Oliver Glasner at Palace, contributing to their FA Cup triumph and securing a spot in European football. Wharton's standing continues to soar.
United splashed out over $260M (£200m) on bolstering its attack this summer, bringing in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in a bid to address their goal drought.
Early groundwork is now being laid to coax Palace into releasing their brightest prospect, who was already linked with a move in August.
The Eagles have shown they're open to letting go of their top talent for the right price. Over the summer, they offloaded Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, while Michael Olise made his exit to Bayern Munich a year earlier.
Amorim could find himself down a midfielder before the season's end. Napoli are confident of securing Mainoo, who, like Wharton, has seen a rapid rise to secure a spot at Euro 2024, on loan in January.
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