- Liverpool in talks with Man Utd target
- Red Devils have been linked
- Casemiro will leave this summer
Manchester United enter the summer transfer window facing the daunting challenge of replacing Casemiro, who is enjoying a bittersweet farewell tour at Old Trafford.
The 34-year-old has helped fuel an unlikely return to Champions League football, and United have a duty to ensure those inspired efforts are not in vain by replacing him sufficiently.
Naturally, an array of midfielders are linked to the Red Devils ahead of an engine room rebuild billed as significant as last summer’s £200million-plus attacking overhaul. Given the overall success of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, there is, unsurprisingly, a Premier League flavour to the speculation.
Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, Alex Scott, Joao Gomes and Bruno Guimaraes are among the midfielders touted as potential targets. Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is another, but bitter rivals Liverpool could be about to beat United to the punch as they search for reinforcements of their own.
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Liverpool ‘in negotiations’ with Wharton
Liverpool manager Arne Slot reportedly wants another midfield option alongside Ryan Gravenberch, Dominic Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo are also currently at the Dutchman’s disposal, but both face uncertain futures at Anfield.
According to Matteo Moretto, speaking on Radio MARCA, Liverpool are pressing forward with their attempts to lure Wharton to Merseyside this summer. It’s claimed that the Reds are in negotiations with Wharton’s representatives, and that he is keen to remain in the Premier League if he leaves Palace.
The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe and would likely demand a significant transfer fee, should he depart Selhurst Park. But Liverpool were not afraid to spend big last summer, and it could be a similar story this time around following a hugely disappointing Premier League title defence.
Do Man Utd need Wharton?
While United are credited with an interest in Wharton, the England international is not believed to be at the top of the Casemiro replacement shortlist. There has been some suggestion that Old Trafford figures consider his qualities similar to those of Kobbie Mainoo, who signed a new contract until 2031 this week.
Wharton is known for his technical qualities, such as his press resistance and passing ability. Mainoo is also a progressor, but could be viewed as more of a ball-carrier than a midfielder who passes between the lines.
United will likely prioritise a ball-winner to directly replace Casemiro and play alongside Mainoo, but a more rounded midfield should also be on the agenda to offer the 21-year-old competition. It would represent a blow to see an option of Wharton’s quality and potential leave the table, and to join Liverpool, no less.
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