Manchester United have ‘taken the lead’ in the race to sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, who is also wanted by Real Madrid, according to reports.
The Red Devils are completing a strong summer transfer window, spending more than £200m on the signings of Benjamin Sesco, Brian Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lamence.
Each of these signings has had a positive impact in recent weeks, with Manchester United’s form on the rise, with Ruben Amorim’s side winning three consecutive Premier League games against Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton.
Manchester United have also managed to release most of their unwanted assets to raise funds, with Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hjøjlund, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony and Jadon Sancho securing moves elsewhere.
The Red Devils are now well on their way, but there is still work to be done in the upcoming transfer window, with their next priority being signing a new number six.
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In the summer, Manchester United attempted to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleva, but the deal fell through as the price tag for the central midfielder was said to be around £100m.
It has been suggested that the Red Devils may try to sign Baleva again next year, but there are also rumors of several potential replacements.
Wharton is another potential option, with reports in Spain claiming they have “shocked Real Madrid’s management” by taking a “lead” on the Palace star, who has emerged as a “top target”.
Man United are said to be “working on a €70m (about £61.5m) offer” to sign Wharton next year.
The report claims:
“Amorim is not satisfied. His ambition is to make the midfield the center of a tactical revolution and Adam Wharton is emerging as the linchpin of this new system.”
“In fact, the Red Devils’ sporting directors are already working on an offer of almost 70 million euros, a figure that would be difficult for Crystal Palace to refuse.”
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Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, has revealed “clear plans” for the transfer in a new interview.
“We have a clear plan. We know what we have to do and the areas where the team has to improve,” Wilcox said.
“If we are to be in the top four and continue to challenge for Champions League qualification, winning the Champions League and winning the Premier League, we need to invest in the team.
“We have to get the right players, the right players who are talented but can handle pressure and take the team forward.
“You don’t necessarily just sign elite talent, they have to be someone who has the right character and can bring something different to the team.
“We’re really happy with where we are and we know we have to improve. And the players are never satisfied, Ruben (Amorim) is never happy and I’m never happy. That’s what we are.”
“We’re always looking to improve. I’m sure everyone who works at Manchester United thinks the same way, and they think the same way given the standards we promote every day.”
