Manchester United could reignite their transfer window with a double swoop for a defender and midfielder. Michael Carrick has targeted an £85million-rated star to strengthen his midfield department. The United boss is also keen on some defensive reinforcements with injury and age issues playing a part.
£85m transfer eyed
United are keeping a close eye on Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and retain a strong interest in the 22-year-old. The Sun reports that Carrick has earmarked the England international as a prime target for his midfield. Wharton is valued at approximately £85m by his club and has emerged as one of the Premier League's most coveted players in recent months. Palace, however, remain firmly in the driving seat regarding the midfielder's future, with his contract running until 2029.
Former United star Paul Scholes believes that United should move for Wharton, describing him as the "perfect" addition to Carrick's squad. He told The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: "I can't believe they're not trying to buy Adam Wharton. Sandro Tonali would have been my first-choice but with him gone now, Adam Wharton looks perfect to me."
World Cup star added to United wishlist
Reports emerging from Germany suggest that Carrick has added Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae to a 'transfer list' ahead of the summer window closing. The Metro reports that United may sign a new defender due to persistent injury concerns surrounding Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez, as well as Harry Maguire's advancing years. The report indicates that United have harboured a long-standing interest in the South Korea international and are once again eager to secure his signature. Kim had been strongly linked with Chelsea earlier this year before they completed the £52m signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.
The club have been somewhat subdued following their signings of Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow and Andrey Santos. In terms of departures, United have allowed Casemiro, Radek Vitek and Rasmus Hojlund to leave for good. Altay Bayindir also exited this summer, but only temporarily to Celta Vigo. Carrick will be planning for more arrivals on the horizon as United's Premier League season gets underway against Hull City on Saturday.
