Manchester United 'to launch huge £60m transfer move' as striker decision made | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim targeting high-profile January reinforcements in bid to kick-start Old Trafford reign

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a £60million move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, while Barcelona are already said to be lining up a permanent deal for Marcus Rashford.

The 21-year-old has been amongst the best midfielders in the Premier League so far this season despite struggling with an adductor injury, making 10 appearances across all competitions as Palace enter European competition for the first time in their history in the Conference League.

Transfer speculation is certainly nothing new when it comes to Wharton, who is under contract at Selhurst Park until the summer of 2029 but has already been linked frequently with some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Reputation soaring: Adam Wharton continues to shine in midfield for Crystal Palace

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It was reported earlier this month that Palace were open to extending the stay of a player who has thrived in south London since his £22m switch from Blackburn last January, with the possibility of the inclusion of a release clause valued in excess of £75m.

The Mirror now claim that Manchester United are planning to launch a £60m move for Wharton, with under-pressure boss Ruben Amorim targeting midfield upgrades after retaining the services of influential captain Bruno Fernandes, and the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro apparently on the way out.

United could bank £30m from the sale of Rashford, with The Sun reporting that Barcelona already want to take up their option to convert his year-long loan move into a permanent arrangement following a hugely impressive start to life at the Camp Nou.

Flying start: Marcus Rashford has already produced eight goal involvements in his first 10 games on loan at Barcelona

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Rashford found himself exiled at Old Trafford under Amorim and had not played since December before a promising but ultimately injury-shortened loan spell at Aston Villa in the second half of last season, but has hit the ground running in Catalonia this term.

The 27-year-old has made 10 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona so far, registering three goals and five assists including a superb double on his return to England in the 2-1 Champions League win over Newcastle last month.

Rashford also scored Barcelona’s only goal in their shock 4-1 thrashing by Sevilla last week and has been a key option off the bench of late for England and Tuchel. Barca would apparently have to pay an initial £25m to sign Rashford permanently, with a further £5m in add-ons.