Adam Wharton to Man Utd takes twist with verdict on Liverpool transfer | Football | Sport

Adam Wharton has enjoyed a stellar season for Crystal Palace and is set for a move away from Selhurst Park this summer. The midfielder was crucial for Palace as they lifted their first-ever European trophy with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League.

It means the south Londoners will return to European competition next season, this time the Europa League – the tournament they had originally qualified for after winning the FA Cup. However, it looks as if one of their best players won’t be there to experience it, with Wharton tipped to join one of their Premier League rivals.

Manchester United have been mooted as a serious contender for his signature, with the Red Devils looking to overhaul their current midfield options. Casemiro has left, while Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount are both being linked to moves away from Old Trafford.

When Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS arrived at the club, the businessman promised to build a team made up of the best homegrown talent and there are certainly few better midfield options than Wharton right now. But, according to Express Sport readers, Wharton should steer clear of joining the Red Devils.

That’s because 45 per cent of readers who voted in a poll asking which club Wharton should join said Liverpool would be the perfect destination. The six-time European champions have been linked with the 22-year-old, and it’s expected that whoever takes over from the departing Arne Slot will be backed in the summer transfer window.

Stay at Crystal Palace – 12%

The good news for whoever Wharton signs for is he’s been given the summer off after missing out on Thomas Tuchel’s England team. It was an eyebrow-raising decision, but it means Wharton will be able to rest up and prepare himself for what will most likely be a maiden campaign at a new club.

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle believes it was a mistake, telling TNT Sports: “A little bit surprised. I love the way he looks forward and passes. He can hit killer balls, balls that take the whole defence out with one pass.

“I am not sure we have got that many who can do that from a deep-lying position on a consistent level. So definitely my eyebrows went up when I saw he wasn’t there.”

Adding: “This is the quality that we have got. I would have had him in the squad. He is a wonderful footballer. He is a top professional. He could easily play for England but which one [midfielder] shouldn’t be playing?”