Manchester United have reportedly altered their midfield transfer priorities, with Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton now edging ahead of Brighton's Carlos Baleba on manager Ruben Amorim's wish-list. According to sources, Amorim is particularly impressed by Wharton's ability to initiate attacks with incisive forward passes.
United were heavily linked with Baleba last summer, but a deal failed to materialise after the club allocated most of its budget to attacking reinforcements, including Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Brighton chairman Tony Bloom later confirmed United's interest, though talks never progressed beyond initial contact due to the Seagulls' £115million valuation—a figure they compared to Chelsea's Moises Caicedo deal.
Despite persistent rumours of a potential move for Baleba in January or next summer, United have now turned their attention to Wharton. Reports suggest the England international's consistent performances have leapfrogged Baleba in the club's transfer pecking order, while Baleba's inconsistent start to the season has raised concerns at Old Trafford.
Wharton is expected to command a lower fee than Baleba, although the exact amount Palace would demand remains unclear. United are prepared to wait for the right player, with a summer move considered more likely than a January deal, as Palace are keen to secure a replacement before letting their midfielder leave.
The shift in priorities presents a clear dilemma for United as they approach the upcoming transfer windows, with Wharton now emerging as the primary target over his Premier League counterpart.
