Report: Manchester Rivals in Tug of War Over £70m Crystal Palace Star | OneFootball

Manchester Giants Set for Summer Showdown

Manchester United and Manchester City are preparing for another head-to-head this summer – not on the pitch, but in the boardroom. According to TEAMtalk, both clubs have set their sights on Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, viewing the 21-year-old as a central figure in their midfield rebuilds.

It’s been a turbulent campaign for both clubs. Pep Guardiola’s City look set to surrender their Premier League crown to Arne Slot’s impressive Liverpool side, while Ruben Amorim faces a mammoth task to return United to the top-four conversation. In Wharton, both sides see a player capable of driving a new era of success.

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Signed for £22 million from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024, Wharton’s Premier League impact has been eye-catching, even if injuries have restricted him to just 13 league appearances. His valuation, per Daily Mail sources, now stands at a robust £70 million.

England’s Next Midfield General?

Wharton is more than just a deep-lying playmaker. He’s a thinking midfielder – a rare blend of composure and instinct – and those traits haven’t gone unnoticed.

“United and City are tracking Wharton, who has been training with the England senior set-up under new coach Thomas Tuchel this week, and view him as a player who could grow into the next Declan Rice,” TEAMtalk revealed.

Although Wharton was tipped to break into Tuchel’s first England squad, he was instead named in the Under-21s. However, his call-up signals a growing reputation that spans beyond the Selhurst Park stands.

Joel Ward offered his own glowing review:

“I think he’s got the world at his feet. He’s a young lad and he’s very mature, very wise. He plays the game, reads the game and understands the game so well.His ability on the ball, his vision and what he’s seeing ahead of time is pretty impressive.”

Palace Hold Firm Amid Interest

Despite the intense interest, Crystal Palace are under no pressure to sell. Wharton is under contract until 2029, putting the Eagles in a strong negotiating position. Yet the midfielder’s injury record this term has slowed momentum – and possibly softened external bids – even if scouts continue to hover.

“While Palace are keen to hold onto Wharton, sources state that there is a clear pathway to the top of the game for the talented midfielder, who also has interest from former suitors Spurs and Chelsea – along with clubs in Europe,” TEAMtalk added.

Still, it’s hard to see a long-term Selhurst Park future for a player already being spoken about in elite circles.

Shaping Midfield Futures

City’s midfield, once anchored by the imperial Rodri and orchestrated by Kevin De Bruyne, is entering transition. Guardiola is already planning a post-peak era.

“Pep Guardiola is building a new era at City after seeing his side struggle this season and lose out on the league title to a Liverpool side who are closing in on glory under Arne Slot.”

At Old Trafford, Amorim’s midfield puzzle is more complex, with uncertainty surrounding Casemiro and a clear lack of creativity in central zones.

Wharton could be the answer for either – a long-term solution with domestic experience and technical pedigree.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis (Excited Crystal Palace Fan)

Losing Adam Wharton would be gutting. He’s been with us for barely a season, yet already feels like a future England regular. £70 million is a lot, but for once, we’re in the driving seat. We’ve got him under contract until 2029 and that gives us leverage.

Still, if he goes, he better go to a team that will actually develop him. United have a track record of wrecking young talent. Look at Jadon Sancho, look at Donny van de Beek. At least City could give him Champions League football, but will he get the minutes?

Joel Ward summed it up best: “He’s got the world at his feet.” If we’re serious about becoming a top-half club regularly, we need to keep players like Wharton, not sell them when they finally start to bloom.

One more season in red and blue – that’s all we ask.