Manchester United was unable to secure a midfielder during the summer transfer window, despite pursuing several high-profile players.
Carlos Baleba was the top choice, but the asking price set by Brighton prevented any deal from being finalized. Attempts to acquire Conor Gallagher and Angelo Stiller on deadline day also proved unsuccessful.
Adam Wharton was another target, but Crystal Palace was unwilling to negotiate, having already transferred Eberechi Eze. The English player is regarded as an ideal midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo and Baleba in the future.
Nevertheless, Ruben Amorim may face disappointment as Teamtalk has reported, citing DaveOCKOP.com, that their fierce rivals Liverpool could outmaneuver them in this pursuit.
Wharton prefers Liverpool
As per the report, the Palace ace prefers a move to Anfield over Old Trafford currently. Real Madrid are also looking at the 21-year-old, which makes the battle even more complicated.
In order to get ahead of the competition, Arne Slot’s side could jump for the England international in January with Palace set to demand more than £60 million.
“The Anfield club has a serious interest in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. The Crystal Palace number 6 is understood to favour a move to Anfield over other suitors.
“Real Madrid is also keeping a key eye on Wharton. Any transfer fee is expected to be in excess of £60 million, including add-ons.
How will INEOS react?
“The N0.20 could make the move to Liverpool as soon as January, depending on how Liverpool approaches the winter window.”
INEOS are reportedly expected to prioritise a move for Baleba in the winter, even being prepared to smash the British transfer record to land their man.
That might hand Liverpool the window of opportunity they need. United pulling off two mega-money deals in the winter remains unlikely.
However, should Adam Wharton not move in January, expect United to go all guns blazing to win the race over their fierce rivals next summer.
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