Liverpool, Man Utd Set For Summer Showdown Over £80m Star Adam Wharton

Liverpool have joined Manchester United in the pursuit of Crystal Palace’s highly rated midfielder Adam Wharton, according to talkSPORT.

The 22-year-old, who helped Palace lift the FA Cup last season, is expected to leave Selhurst Park when the campaign ends. The Eagles are demanding a fee of at least £80 million for their prized asset.

At Anfield, midfield reshuffling is already underway. Curtis Jones could be on his way out, with Inter Milan linked to the homegrown talent in January and expected to reignite their interest this summer.

Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister’s future is also uncertain. The Argentine, a key figure in Liverpool’s 2023–24 title triumph, has seen his form dip sharply as rumours of a Real Madrid move persist. He has only two years left on his current deal.

Arne Slot has relied heavily on Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai this season, but sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG’s Michael Edwards are actively looking to strengthen the midfield further. Wharton’s composure on the ball and ability to control games from deep fit perfectly with what Liverpool lack.

However, beating Manchester United to his signature won’t be straightforward. The Red Devils are planning their own midfield overhaul, with Casemiro set to leave at the end of the season.

Captain Bruno Fernandes also has just 14 months remaining on his contract, adding to the uncertainty at Old Trafford.