(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sat 14 March 2026 12:08, UK

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Manchester United and Liverpool are among the top clubs fighting to land Adam Wharton’s signature this summer as he nears a Crystal Palace exit.

Wharton has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders over the last 18 months at Palace, and is a wanted man ahead of the summer window.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all interested in signing him as it stands.

Several overseas clubs are also keeping tabs on Wharton’s progress at Palace, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both previously linked to his services.

Man United’s summer transfer plans are set to centre around their midfield rebuild, with Casemiro set to leave and Kobbie Mainoo continually linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

Adam Wharton is wanted by Man United and Liverpool

Wharton has registered seven assists in 39 appearances for the Eagles in 2025-26, and looks set to go to the World Cup with England this summer.

Palace have struggled this season, especially compared to the last, and the 22-year-old could well leave ahead of next term with numerous bigger clubs eyeing a move for his services.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “There’s no doubt he’s going be on the radar of a number of clubs. He has been on the radar of several top Premier League clubs for a while now, with United amongst them.

“You’ve got the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and others abroad who are very much interested in Wharton.

“We know he is going to be the subject of transfer speculation this summer because of how well he is playing for Crystal Palace. He is a key man for them.

“Wharton, at some point, will want to be playing at the highest level possible. I think he’s admitted before that he sees himself playing Champions League football and wants to become a regular in the England squad as well.

“He’s obviously one of the players who is on United’s list as they look to restructure their midfield next season as well. There are a number of players that they are looking at, and Wharton is on that list.”

Elliot Anderson among three other midfield targets for Man United this summer

United are set to sign at least one midfielder this summer, with Casemiro on his way out, and they have already drawn up their shortlist for the position ahead of the window.

Football Insider have revealed that, as well as Wharton, Elliot Anderson is on United’s radar alongside Carlos Baleba and Amadou Onana.

Anderson and Baleba have each been heavily linked with moves to Old Trafford in recent months as they shine at Nottingham Forest and Brighton respectively.

Onana would command a lesser fee than the other three midfielders, so signing him would possibly allow the Red Devils to make another addition in the middle of the park.