Manchester United have been monitoring Adam Wharton for months as they continue their search for a defensive midfielder, but their pursuit is set to get trickier with Liverpool and Newcastle both entering the race for the Crystal Palace talent.

United’s midfield gap still unresolved

Ruben Amorim oversaw heavy investment in the summer transfer window, strengthening several key areas of his squad.

Yet, the defensive midfield position alongside Bruno Fernandes remains a clear weakness.

United’s efforts to land Brighton’s Carlos Baleba fell short after the Seagulls priced him at over £100m, forcing the club to look elsewhere.

Wharton has been a name on United’s list since last season. At just 21, the Palace man has already built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s brightest holding midfielders, praised for his composure in possession and intelligence without the ball.

United made enquiries in the summer but Palace were unwilling to sell, especially after sanctioning Eberechi Eze’s move to Arsenal.

Liverpool and Newcastle add pressure

According to reports, Liverpool have now joined the chase. Arne Slot wants further defensive reinforcements to strengthen the balance of his midfield, and Wharton’s profile fits the project perfectly.

Newcastle are also interested, aiming to reinvest some of the money raised from Alexander Isak’s departure and add Champions League-ready talent to Eddie Howe’s squad.

Palace, however, are standing firm. The Eagles have slapped a £60m price tag on Wharton and remain reluctant to sanction his departure, particularly if they also lose Marc Guehi in January.

Possible Palace double swoop from United

Wharton is not the only Palace player on United’s radar. Jean-Philippe Mateta has also been linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

With Benjamin Sesko still adjusting to Premier League life and Rasmus Hojlund moved on, Amorim could seek a more experienced striker to partner Sesko and ease the goalscoring burden.

Adam Wharton future still uncertain

For now, Wharton has given no public indication that he wants to leave Selhurst Park. Yet with United, Liverpool and Newcastle circling, and Palace potentially bracing for Guehi’s exit, January could test the club’s resolve.

The 21-year-old is seen as one of the league’s top young midfielders, and whichever club wins the race would be securing not just a January signing, but a long-term cornerstone in midfield.