Man Utd plot shock £60m Crystal Palace transfer swoop with two stars set for exit

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a £60million bid for Crystal Palace's star player Adam Wharton, with club officials believing that such an offer could persuade the Eagles to part ways with their coveted playmaker.

Despite midfield reinforcements being a priority last summer, the Red Devils were unable to bolster their ranks. However, they have plans to rectify this ahead of the upcoming season as Ruben Amorim's preferred duo of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have faced criticism this term.

Amorim has been closely monitoring Wharton's development at Selhurst Park and is said to be a big admirer of the midfielder. The Portuguese manager believes that the gifted 21-year-old possesses the technical skills required to excel at United.

• Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim sack latest as Oliver Glasner tipped for Man Utd role
• Chelsea learn Nottingham Forest's sack decision on Ange Postecoglou ahead of Blues clash

It's said that both Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro are likely to depart Old Trafford. Mainoo hasn't started a Premier League match this season and could potentially join Napoli on loan in January, while Casemiro's contract expires next year.

Wharton has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier League following his meteoric rise over the past two years. The United target quickly made a name for himself at Blackburn before making an £18million move to Crystal Palace from the Lancashire club in February 2024, reports the Mirror.

He swiftly adapted to the Premier League and secured a place in Gareth Southgate's squad for the Euros that summer. The midfield maestro has become a key player under Oliver Glasner at Palace, helping the team to FA Cup glory and securing a spot in European football.

United splashed out £200million on their forward line this summer, bringing in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to address their lack of goals. Now, they're laying the groundwork to try and coax Palace into parting with their brightest star, having already been linked with him back in August.

The Eagles have shown they're open to selling their top players if the price is right. Over the summer, they let Eberechi Eze go to Arsenal for £67.5million, while Michael Olise made the move to Bayern Munich a year earlier.

Amorim could find himself a midfielder short before the season's out. Napoli are confident they can secure a loan deal for Mainoo in January, who, like Wharton, has enjoyed a rapid rise to earn a spot at Euro 2024.