Hooligan Soccer
·22 January 2026
Rising English Star Focus of United Trade Talks

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Yahoo sportsHooligan Soccer
·22 January 2026

Everyone knows that talent is precious. It’s the gold and diamonds that gleam in the light; the oil that fuels the success on the pitch. So it’s no surprise that clubs do everything in their power to lure and attract talent.
As reported earlier, Manchester United were in closed door discussions fixing their greedy stares on a particular talent. We can now reveal who that particular player is: Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

The 21 year-old midfielder arrived at Palace back in February 2024 from the Championship’s Blackburn Rovers, where he was an academy graduate. Since his arrival, his impressive workrate, unyielding tackles and pinpoint passing have become essential to the south London side. He’s even been called up for international duty for England.
Considered by many to be the steady heartbeat of a team struggling in transition, Wharton is no stranger to the transfer rumor mill. With the transfer dam broken by last week’s sale of Marc Guéhi to Manchester City, and reports that striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is seeking a move, vultures are circling Selhurst Park looking for pickings.
Manchester United is not the only scavenger looking for a meal. Real Madrid, the European galacticos, have reportedly been considering an offer north of $80M to get the young man into their midfield line-up that is rapidly ageing. Liverpool had been sniffing around last summer, and may still be interested. Even Manchester City, not content to enjoy the largesse of Guéhi, could be preparing a bid.
But our reports indicate United are the most advanced in discussions. Wharton’s reps have apparently been listening and not shut the door, but remain uncommitted at this time. We believe that much may hinge on where United finish in the table. The allure of playing Champions League matters to young Adam, and is one of the considerations (along with the money involved). Wharton is under contract through 2029, so Palace are placing a premium on him. Internal sources tell us the club is holding fast to a $100M (£80m) minimum for anyone wanting to take him.







































