Chelsea and Manchester United are preparing bids in excess of £50 million to sign Crystal Palace midfield sensation Adam Wharton in January.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Adam Wharton remains a top target for Chelsea and Manchester United. The English giants failed to land the Crystal Palace star in the summer but are preparing to return for his signature in the winter.

Wharton came up the ranks at Blackburn Rovers and made quite a name for himself while playing for their first team before joining Crystal Palace at the start of 2024 in a deal worth £22 million. He has only gone from strength to strength since making the switch.

Not only has the 21-year-old established himself as a key figure in Oliver Glasner’s team, but he has also broken into the English national team. His impressive rise and massive potential have put him on the radar of multiple top clubs from across Europe.

Manchester United and Chelsea keen on Adam Wharton

Manchester United and Chelsea were both keen on signing Wharton this past summer. Wharton’s composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, ability to dictate the tempo, and ball-playing qualities make him a top target for the English giants.

Manchester United see Adam Wharton as an ideal long-term replacement for Casemiro. They were eager to place a bid this summer, but Crystal Palace’s £80 million asking price put them off. Meanwhile, Chelsea consider him an ideal fit for Enzo Maresca’s possession-based system. The Blues believe he could thrive alongside talents like Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.

Crystal Palace were unwilling to negotiate the Englishman’s departure in the summer, with Eberechi Eze set to leave and Marc Guehi’s future uncertain. As a result, both Manchester United and Chelsea have now earmarked him as a key target for the winter window.

Premier League giants could return in January

Manchester United and Chelsea consider Adam Wharton a potential game-changer for their respective midfields and are reportedly ready to table an offer in excess of £50 million. While the English international seems interested in taking the next step in his career, he won’t look to force his way out.

Meanwhile, the Eagles have complete control over his future, with his contract running until 2029. They could certainly look to hold onto him until next summer, when Real Madrid could also enter the race for his signature.