Ben Jacobs: Man United identify ‘outstanding’ EPL midfielder as Baleba alternative | OneFootball

Manchester United realise that signing Carlos Baleba remains a daunting task, so they’re already considering other options, and this includes Adam Wharton.

The Red Devils are looking to pair Bruno Fernandes with an enforcer in the middle of the park, so they have decided to resort to the market, as the current squad doesn’t contain a player capable of fulfilling this role efficiently.

Casemiro doesn’t have the legs to cover large acres of the pitch as he used to in his heyday, while Manuel Ugarte still has to vastly improve to prove himself worthy of a starting role at Man Utd.

Man United can’t afford to buy Carlos Baleba

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

In recent weeks, Baleba emerged as United’s preferred profile for the role. The 21-year-old Cameroonian is a physically imposing midfielder who has been making large strides since joining Brighton in 2023.

However, the Seagulls have no desire to sell Baleba, at least not for a figure below £100 million. This astronomical asking price has scared INEOS away, as they don’t have the financial means to pull a transfer of this magnitude, especially having already spent more than £200 million on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.

Therefore, Man Utd must start reflecting on their options, and according to football journalist Ben Jacobs, the answer could be Adam Wharton.

The transfer market expert revealed during his podcast with The United Stand, that MUFC ‘like’ the Crystal Palace midfielder, adding that the club will be seeking a transfer in the region of £30-40 million if they decide to completely abandon the Baleba track.

Adam Wharton identified as Baleba’s alternative at Man Utd

This will definitely be music to the ears of many Man United supporters who have been urging the management to pursue the 21-year-old England international.

The Blackburn Rovers youth product joined Palace in January 2024 for circa £20 million, and swiftly cemented himself as one of the finest young players in the Premier League. He also played an instrumental role in the Eagles’ FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs.

Wharton made his debut for the English national team in June 2024, and was hailed by Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as an ‘outstanding’ player.