The 21yo star Man Utd want if they cannot get Baleba now, want to pair the two together - Miguel Delaney

Manchester United club may look to sign Crystal Palace defensive midfielder Adam Wharton if they cannot get Carlos Baleba this summer, according to the Independent journalist Miguel Delaney.

The Brighton & Hove Albion star is the top target of the Red Devils as head coach Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen in the middle of the park ahead of 2025-26.

However, the Seagulls want around £120 million for the 21-year-old Cameroon international and his Palace counterpart, Wharton, also 21, is Man United’s preferred alternative.

The Old Trafford club also hold a long-term interest in pairing the two together going forward, and they will almost certainly go again next year if they cannot get him this summer.

Wharton has largely remained under the radar but has silently proven his quality consistently in recent months, providing the assist for the late equaliser against Liverpool in the Community Shield last weekend.

The Man Utd target has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water since joining Palace from Championship club Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, and he could be perfect for the Red Devils.

Wharton is an excellent passer and great interceptor of the ball, and having the England international and Baleba together in midfield will be huge for Amorim.

A deal for him could also prove tricky this summer as the Eagles could lose Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze in the coming weeks and will not be open to selling him if that happens.

Man United have other options if a move for Baleba or Wharton falls through, with their boss open to a reunion with Sporting CP star Morten Hjumland.

However, there are questions over whether he quite has the physicality for the position they want.

The Red Devils also admire Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but they believe he is perfect for a slightly different role.

Article written by Alani Adefunmiloye .