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Manchester United eye Wharton after Baleba bid setback
United have enquired about Adam Wharton this week as they seek a midfield upgrade following Baleba's bid falling short.
Manchester United eye Adam Wharton as an alternative to Carlos Baleba while weighing other midfield targets.
Man United chase Wharton after Baleba bid falls short in midfield push
Manchester United have spent heavily this window, adding Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko for north of 200 million pounds. The pursuit of Carlos Baleba reportedly stalled after Sporting coach Ruben Amorim asked for an athletic midfielder, and United in Focus says the bid fell short. They have identified Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as a potential alternative and have made enquiries this week. Palace may resist a sale, and Tottenham are pressing in on Eberechi Eze, which could complicate any deal. Links to Morten Hjulmand at Sporting and to Hayden Hackney persist, showing a preference for Premier League proven players. Some see a longer view, suggesting a double bid for Wharton and Baleba next summer could transform United’s midfield.
If United pull off Wharton next year, it would mark a decisive step in reshaping the engine room with a mix of experience and potential. The market is crowded, and price tags are high, with reports of a possible over 100 million pounds to land Wharton. The club keeps faith in Amorim’s plan while balancing short-term needs with long-term strategy, a delicate act in a season that starts with a marquee game against Arsenal.
Key Takeaways
"We can confirm United have made enquiries this week and are contemplating whether to make a move"
Direct quote from the transfer insider cited in the article
"Wharton is a player United have a long-term interest in"
Direct quote describing United's interest
"To land Wharton it would take a deal in excess of £100m"
Direct quote about price tag
"UIF understands one of United’s alternatives to Baleba is Adam Wharton"
Direct quote outlining Baleba alternative
This move shows United trying to balance ambition with risk. Targeting a Premier League proven midfielder can steady the lineup, but it also brings questions about how much will be spent and where the money comes from. Eze's potential move to Tottenham adds another layer, potentially driving up costs and tightening Palace’s selling stance. The idea of pursuing Wharton now and Baleba later reflects a longer game rather than a quick fix, relying on a favorable market and player readiness. If the plan works, United could reshape their midfield drastically; if not, Amorim’s system may need a different patch.
Highlights
- We can confirm United have made enquiries this week and are contemplating whether to make a move
- Wharton is a player United have a long-term interest in
- To land Wharton it would take a deal in excess of £100m
- UIF understands one of United’s alternatives to Baleba is Adam Wharton
Budget and spending risk in midfield chase
The report highlights a potential overreach with a 100m+ price tag for Wharton and a broader midfield spending plan, inviting scrutiny from fans, investors, and regulators. The pursuit amid palace’s sale dynamics and competition from Tottenham increases financial and competitive risk.
The midfield road ahead will shape United's season as much as any fixture.
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