Perry Groves urges Manchester United to beat Liverpool to £80m Adam Wharton signing

Manchester United must sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace this summer to replace the departing Casemiro, according to Arsenal title winner Perry Groves. The England international midfielder would cost around £80 million but faces competition from Liverpool for his signature.

Speaking on talkSPORT while covering Palace's defeat to Bournemouth, Groves was effusive in his praise for the 22-year-old midfielder.

I know I've waxed lyrical about him before but you watch Adam Wharton play and he's like a Rolls Royce of a player. He looks like he's never sprinting. He just sort of jogs about but he's always in the right position.

Why Wharton's 'owl-like' vision makes him perfect for United

Groves' most striking observation about Wharton centres on his exceptional spatial awareness and vision on the pitch.

His awareness in the game is unreal. He's got like the owl's head where he can like play players passes or around him where he can go into Jean-Philippe Mateta or into Ismaila Sarr.

The modern midfielder United desperately need

With Casemiro heading to MLS this summer, likely joining either Inter Miami or LA Galaxy, United face a critical void in their midfield. The Brazilian's departure leaves Kobbie Mainoo without an experienced partner for next season's Champions League campaign.

Groves outlined exactly why Wharton fits United's requirements:

When you're playing in that centre midfield in the modern-day game you've got to be athletic which Adam Wharton is and you've got to have vision and you've got to be very calm and composed which he is.

Wharton's rapid rise at Palace

Since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 for £22 million, Wharton has established himself as one of the Premier League's most promising defensive midfielders. His performances earned him an England call-up and have now attracted interest from two of English football's biggest clubs.

The midfielder's ability to control games without appearing to break sweat has drawn comparisons to some of the game's elite players. His positional intelligence and passing range make him ideally suited to United's evolving style under interim manager Michael Carrick.

The £80m question: Can United outbid Liverpool?

Crystal Palace's valuation of £80 million for Wharton reflects both his importance to the club and the inflated market for English talent. The fee represents a significant investment, particularly for a player with just 18 months of Premier League experience.

Liverpool's competing interest complicates the picture

talkSPORT understands that Liverpool are also interested in Wharton, setting up a potential bidding war between the northwest rivals. The Reds' involvement could drive the price even higher, testing United's resolve in the transfer market.

For United, securing Champions League qualification under Carrick strengthens their negotiating position. The prospect of European football and partnering Mainoo in a revamped midfield could prove decisive factors in Wharton's decision.

Value in today's market

While £80 million seems steep, several factors support Palace's valuation:

• Wharton is just 22 with his peak years ahead
• He's already an England international
• English players command premium fees
• His contract runs until 2029, giving Palace leverage
• Proven Premier League quality with room to improve

United's midfield shopping list: Wharton leads but who else?

While Wharton tops United's wishlist according to Groves, the club are exploring multiple options to strengthen their midfield. The Arsenal legend also mentioned anderson" class="entity-link entity-link--player">Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest as another target who could fill the void left by Casemiro.

Alternative targets emerge

talkSPORT understands United are considering several midfield options beyond Wharton:

• Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) - Available whether Villa qualify for Champions League or not, though PSG, Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested
• ederson-ederson" class="entity-link entity-link--player">Ederson (Atalanta) - The Brazilian midfielder is being monitored for a potential summer move
• Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid) - The France international could cost around £70 million

Two midfielders likely to arrive

United are expected to sign two midfielders this summer as part of their rebuild. With Casemiro departing and the club back in the Champions League, strengthening the engine room is a priority.

The identity of United's permanent manager remains uncertain, with Carrick currently in interim charge. Whoever takes the reins will likely have significant input on transfer targets, potentially affecting which midfielders arrive at Old Trafford.

What happens next

United's pursuit of Wharton will intensify once the season concludes. With Champions League football secured and Casemiro's departure confirmed, addressing the midfield becomes the summer's top priority.

The battle with Liverpool for Wharton's signature could define United's transfer window. If they miss out on the Palace star, attention will quickly turn to alternatives like Tchouameni or Ederson. Either way, Mainoo will have a new midfield partner when the 2026-27 season kicks off.