Manchester United are reportedly recalibrating their midfield transfer targets, with Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton now emerging as the preferred option over Brighton's Carlos Baleba. According to reports, manager Ruben Amorim is particularly impressed by Wharton's ability to initiate attacks with forward passes.
United had been heavily linked with Baleba last summer, but a deal fell through 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 the interest, though talks never progressed beyond initial contact as the Seagulls demanded a fee in the region of £115 million, drawing comparisons to Chelsea's record deal for Moises Caicedo.
While speculation has persisted about a potential move for Baleba in January or next summer, United have also been monitoring other midfield options. Adam Wharton has now reportedly leapfrogged the Brighton midfielder in the club's transfer pecking order, with Amorim a known admirer of his style of play.
Baleba's inconsistent form this season has also raised concerns at Old Trafford. Furthermore, it is believed Wharton could be secured for a lower transfer fee, although the exact amount Palace would demand remains unclear. However, Crystal Palace are keen to find a replacement before allowing Wharton to leave, making a summer transfer more likely than a January move.
United are prepared to wait patiently to secure the right player, with the decision between Wharton and Baleba set to define their midfield strategy in the upcoming windows.
