Insider verdict: Man United plotting to sign London-based star 'from what I hear'
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Credit: Imago
Callum O'Connell
Thu 28 August 2025 14:38, UK
Man United have been joined by the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid in their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that there is “no way” Palace will entertain talks this summer.
However, Europe’s elite clubs are keeping an eye on his development with long-term moves in mind as he is expected to become available in 2026.
Football Insider revealed on 22 August that Crystal Palace will turn down approaches for Wharton as they have no plans to let him leave the club.
Having lost Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, and with Marc Guehi‘s future up in the air, the Eagles are extremely reluctant to lose another star player before 1 September.
Long-term, though, the Eagles’ model is set up to buy young players and develop them before selling for huge profits, and Wharton could be next off the production line.
Credit: Imago
Brown told Football Insider in May that Liverpool and Real Madrid want to sign Wharton, with Barcelona also keeping a close eye on his development.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham and Tottenham, insisted that the Eagles have remained steadfast in their plans not to sell the midfielder.
“Man United won’t be able to afford Adam Wharton,” he told Football Insider.
“I don’t think Crystal Palace have any intention of letting him go this summer.
“Their priority has always been to keep hold of their best players, but with Guehi maybe going and Eze going to Arsenal, they won’t let any more go.
“They’ve bolted the door, so to speak, so there’s no way any deal will happen this summer.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
“With Wharton, though, a lot of the interest is long-term.
“Man United want him, but I hear Liverpool, Real Madrid and others are also keeping an eye on him and considering making moves at some stage.
“When big clubs like that are being mentioned, they need to be certain of their investment.
“I think another year at Crystal Palace, playing consistently without any injury issues, is what he needs to get a big move like that.
“Next summer, we’ll see what happens with him because that’s when I expect Palace will be more willing to listen to offers.”
Alongside speculation about potential incoming deals at Old Trafford, they have also set their sights on cashing in on some of their fringe players.
Brown told Football Insider on 28 August that Rasmus Hojlund is planning to leave Man United after Ruben Amorim made it clear he is not in his plans.
Credit: Imago
Fulham have been linked with signing Hojlund, while a return to Italy with the likes of AC Milan or Napoli remains a strong possibility at this stage.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Amorim is forcing Hojlund out of Man United and has told him to find a new club before the transfer deadline.
For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.