Expert predicts 'most likely destination' for Adam Wharton after Man United latest
03/25/2025 07:44 AM
Man United have joined Man City and Tottenham in the race to sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that the 21-year-old would be a top signing for any club.
However, there is an acceptance that United will not be able to enter a bidding war with their rivals as they are unable to compete financially.
This comes as the Eagles are expected to demand a “huge” fee for his sale, as Football Insider revealed Palace do not plan to sell Wharton this summer.
Oliver Glasner's side have the England international under a long-term contract running until June 2029 and have no intention of letting him leave.
City are believed to be the front-runners in the deal given their financial position and long-standing interest – but Palace have been backed to keep their star man.
Crystal Palace plan to keep Adam Wharton amid Man City interest
Brown told Football Insider on 12 March that Man City and Tottenham want to sign Wharton and have had scouts tracking his performances at Selhurst Park.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham, has insisted that
“Man United are interested in Adam Wharton,” he told Football Insider.
“But I can’t see them winning a bidding war, especially if Manchester City are involved.
“Their finances aren’t in a position at the moment to compete with sides like that.
“I think if it came down to it, Man City would be his most likely destination because they’re the ones who are financially able to pull it off.
“They’ll be the front-runners in that particular race.
“Palace are going to set a huge asking price to even think about letting him go.
“He’s a top player and would be a top signing wherever he went.
“They don’t want to sell him, and I think they’ll be able to keep hold of him this summer because he’s under a long contract.
“But even if he was going to leave, Man United will struggle to pull it off financially.”
Ruben Amorim eyes Morgan Gibbs-White deal at Man United
Man United under INEOS have put an emphasis on attracting young, English players to the club as they look to strengthen their squad over the coming transfer windows.
The recent signings of Chido Obi-Martin and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal, and their ambitions of signing Wharton, come alongside interest in Morgan Gibbs-White.
Brown told Football Insider that Ruben Amorim is a big fan of Gibbs-White and has given United the green light to make a move this summer.
However, any deal will likely depend on whether United can cash in on the likes of Kobbie Mainoo as they are currently in a difficult financial situation.
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The post Expert predicts 'most likely destination' for Adam Wharton after Man United latest appeared first on Football Insider.
