Overview
- Multiple reports say Manchester United have made the Crystal Palace and England midfielder their leading target, with a January move viewed as unlikely.
- Agent James Featherstone publicly outlined a staged plan that includes reaching the Champions League to bolster Wharton’s England prospects.
- Crystal Palace hold firm with a contract to 2029 and will only consider an exceptional proposal in January, according to reporting and public comments.
- Market estimates suggest a fee in the £70–80m range would be required to test Palace’s resolve.
- United are tracking alternative midfield options for the window, including Morten Hjulmand, João Gomes, Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Conor Gallagher.