‘I watched Adam Wharton closely in Man United audition, I now know if he’s good enough’
Man United were impressed by the performance of Adam Wharton during their win against Crystal Palace as they continue to eye midfield reinforcements.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during the club’s most successful period, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 21-year-old remains high on United’s shortlist.
Man United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park, but were able to watch Wharton’s display up close as the midfielder put in a typically classy performance for the Eagles.
Football Insider revealed on 10 October that Crystal Palace have no plans to sell Wharton despite the growing interest as he remains a key player.
However, Ruben Amorim is determined to strengthen in midfield and United are assessing a number of big-name targets ahead of the January transfer window.
Man United impressed by Adam Wharton performance
Brown told Football Insider in September that Crystal Palace will not sell Wharton in January despite the interest from United alongside Liverpool and Man City.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham, insisted the midfielder has done himself no harm in terms of the interest in his signature.
“It was certainly an opportunity for United to see him up close,” he told Football Insider.
“He was one of the best players on the pitch, certainly the best player for Crystal Palace, and he showed again why these clubs are looking at him.
“It was a shame he had to come off, but they’re still adapting to playing in Europe and the difficulties of their fixture congestion and rotating the squad.
“In terms of Man United looking at midfielders, Wharton is high on their list, as he is with a lot of clubs.
“That performance will have done him no harm in terms of that interest, and I have no doubt they’ll have been impressed with how he fared against their midfield.“
Crystal Palace hope to agree new Wharton contract
Football Insider revealed on 11 November that Crystal Palace will not sell Wharton in January, and instead plan to offer him a new contract at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles are believed to have opened negotiations over a new deal with the midfielder’s representative in an effort to deter the growing interest in him.
However, they don’t feel that pressure to complete talks before the transfer window reopens, as the England international is not for sale regardless of his contract situation.
Brown first told Football Insider in May that Liverpool and Real Madrid want to sign Wharton, with Barcelona also keeping a close eye on his development.
However, there is a confidence that the midfielder is happy at Selhurst Park and could commit to a new deal, as previously seen with both Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.
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