Man Utd DESPERATE to win race for 'next Declan Rice'

Cameron Smith

21 Mar 2025 20:00 GMT
3 min read

Manchester United are reportedly determined to fight off competition from Manchester City to land Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton during the upcoming summer transfer window.

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Wharton has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most talented youngsters since his arrival from Blackburn Rovers last year and he was even included in England’s squad for the 2024 European Championships after a stellar start to life at Selhurst Park.

Current ETV

Adam Wharton

DM, M (C)

C. Palace

Adam Wharton

DM, M (C)

C. Palace

ETV Range

€42.9M - €52.5M

Chelsea were interested in signing the 21-year-old before his move to Crystal Palace, while FootballTransfers understands that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in bringing him to north London this summer.

However, Man Utd and Man City have also been heavily linked with a move for Wharton, and they are set to battle for his signature when the 2024-25 campaign concludes, according to TEAMtalk.

The Manchester giants both view Wharton as a player with the potential to become “the next Declan Rice”, as per TEAMtalk, although Palace could reportedly demand a transfer fee in excess of €80 million as they look to retain the Englishman’s services.

Wharton still has four years remaining on his current contract with Oliver Glasner’s side, meaning Palace are in a strong negotiating position ahead of the 2025 summer window and they will only accept a sale if their asking price is met.

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Man Utd vs Man City for Adam Wharton?

Man City’s interest in Wharton may come as a slight surprise following the January arrival of Nico Gonzalez from FC Porto, but Man Utd are determined to beat their arch-rivals to his signature.

Kobbie Mainoo has been tipped to leave Old Trafford amid significant interest from Chelsea, and the Red Devils have reportedly identified Wharton as a key transfer target as they look to bolster the midfield options available to Ruben Amorim.

Wharton has made 17 appearances across all competitions so far this season, after missing several months due to a groin injury, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at a career high of €47.7m.