Man Utd Ready to Splash £60m on Palace's Wharton as Casemiro Waves Goodbye

Imagine sinking a pint at the pub when your mate drops this bombshell: Manchester United are lining up a massive bid for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. Yeah, the 22-year-old England international who's been bossing it in south London. With Casemiro set to pack his bags at season's end, the Red Devils need a fresh engine in midfield, and Wharton's name is buzzing louder than a matchday chant at Old Trafford.

Reports from TEAMtalk's Fraser Fletcher back in October had Wharton as United's top target, generating proper excitement among the INEOS crew. Sure, they've eyed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and even Sandro Tonali, but Wharton hasn't slipped down the list. Sports Boom reckons United are prepping a £50-60m (£60m tops out at about €69m or $80m) swoop this summer – bargain compared to Anderson's whopping £100m price tag.

Why Wharton Fits Like a Glove at Old Trafford

Wharton's no one-trick pony. This lad's a proper modern number six – wins balls back like a terrier, then pings passes that carve defences apart. Palace fans know it; he's turned Selhurst Park into his playground, helping tighten their backline while dictating play from deep.

For United, he's the ideal Casemiro replacement. The Brazilian's legs are gone, and with INEOS plotting one or two top midfielders for 2026, Wharton's youth and Premier League nous make him a no-brainer. Sources say the club sees him as a "Manchester United player in the making". Fancy that – straight from Palace to trophy hunts. He'd add steel, vision, and that X-factor to control games, turning chaotic midfield battles into masterclasses.

He's outgrown Eagles territory too. At 22, with England caps under his belt, Old Trafford offers Champions League dreams (fingers crossed) and silverware chases. United's global pull? Irresistible for a lad ready to level up.

Gentleman's Agreement and the Transfer Poker Game

Here's the juicy bit: whispers of a gentleman's agreement between Wharton and Palace. If a big-hitter – think Champions League outfit – stumps up £60-65m (up to €75m, $87m), Selhurst won't stand in his way. Music to United's ears, right?

But hold your horses. Reliable journo Ben Jacobs on talkSPORT pegged Anderson as United's priority, with Man City sniffing around too. And get this – Liverpool, the champs, are in the mix for Wharton, ready to match that £65m valuation. Ouch, a Scouse raid on Palace? United fans, time to rally.

Fletcher's sources insist Wharton's keen on a United move over rivals. Cheaper than Anderson, proven in the Prem, and that Palace exit clause? It's like they've left the door ajar. Summer window's shaping up to be a midfield madness – will INEOS pull the trigger and land their man?

Picture Wharton shielding the back four, spraying balls to rashford and co. Sounds like a dream, doesn't it? Keep eyes peeled; this one's got legs. Cheers to potential glory – or at least some transfer drama to spice up the close season.