Manchester United and Manchester City are set to clash in a major transfer battle this summer, with both sides keen to sign a top-flight midfielder from the Premier League. Although their respective seasons have struggled for different reasons, both clubs are looking to the future with optimism, drawing up a list of targets for next summer. One name that is firmly on the radar is Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton.
The 21-year-old has been in excellent form since arriving at Selhurst Park in a £22m deal from Blackburn Rovers in early 2024. With Tottenham also interested, Manchester United and Manchester City are monitoring his development. Wharton trained with the England national team under new manager Thomas Tuchel this week, and both clubs see him as a player who could progress and become the next version of Declan Rice.
While Crystal Palace are keen to retain possession of Wharton, reliable sources insist there is a clear path to the top flight for the midfielder, who has also attracted interest from Spurs and Chelsea, in addition to a number of European clubs. With his contract running until the summer of 2029, Palace are in a strong negotiating position, although some believe a move away would be certain were it not for the injuries that have kept him out of the game this season.
Wharton's valuation, according to the Daily Mail, has risen to £70m, although he has only made 13 Premier League appearances, which may have delayed his move. However, that has not stopped top clubs from following suit. Meanwhile, as Pep Guardiola builds a new era at Manchester City after a challenging season and title defeat to Liverpool, Ruben Amorim faces a tough task at Manchester United to get the club back into the top four. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, have great faith in the potential of Adam Wharton, who defender Joel Ward has predicted will be a big hit.
