If Manchester United are looking for more reasons to sign Adam Wharton next summer, Jack Grealish has given them one. That's after the Everton winger came out firing in his admiration of the Crystal Palace midfielder.
Ruben Amorim is expected to change his engine room options next summer, with Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo potentially heading for the exit. And the Daily Star has reported a £60million offer for Wharton is on the cards after Amorim took a liking to the England international.
Wharton, 21, joined the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024 for an initial £18million outlay. And the youngster has quickly become an integral member at Selhurst Park, helping the club win the FA Cup and secure a return to European competition earlier this year.
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He wasn't able to prevent a 2-1 loss at Everton just prior to the international break but nonetheless performed admirably in his duties. At least that was according to opponent and match-winner Grealish,who gave a glowing review to any potential suitors - including United.
Speaking unprompted, the Everton winger said: "Adam Wharton today...I can see the Man of the Match award there. I think that's coming to me. But it should have gone to Adam Wharton, because in my opinion he was the best player on the pitch."
After spending heavily on upgrading their attack, the next area of focus is in midfield. Casemiro's £300,000-a-week contract is due to expire in the summer of 2026 and it's understood the Red Devils won't trigger their option to extend his deal by another year.
Mainoo is one of the most promising prospects to emerge from the United academy in modern times. And yet Amorim has been reluctant to use the 20-year-old, who is still chasing his first league start of the season.
Manuel Ugarte has also been used quite sparingly despite his previous relationship with Amorim at Sporting CP. Mason Mount has regained some favour at Old Trafford of late but has endured repeat injury issues in Manchester.
Wharton was omitted from Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad for fixtures against Wales and Latvia. But just as his level of play is beyond his years, the midfield star had a mature response when quizzed about his absence.
"He just gave me a message saying I'm playing well, I'm close and I deserve to be there but he's going to stick with the same team,” he told reporters when asked about his absence from the squad and whether he had received any word from Tuchel.
"That's football, I'm not too fussed about that. I can take the time off, go see my grandparents, and it's not the end of the world as there's another camp next month. My focus is on Palace, and if that goes well then England is just a bonus."
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