Man Utd could see a £35m bid accepted to sign their own version of Wharton

Manchester United’s central midfield hunt feels as though it has lasted for many months, with no number one target appearing ahead of the January transfer window.

Bruno Fernandes, who has operated in such a role this campaign, looks set to miss the next few weeks, after limping off with a hamstring issue against Aston Villa.

As a result, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo remain as the only senior options available to Ruben Amorim in his push to claim a top-four spot in the Premier League.

INEOS will no doubt want to invest further into the playing squad to bolster the options at the 40-year-old’s disposal, but it remains to be seen who they go after.

One player has been strongly linked over recent months, but it’s currently unclear if the Red Devils can convince his current employers to part ways with him this winter.

Man Utd could see £35m bid accepted for LaLiga star

Over recent months, Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has emerged as a key target for United, with the youngster seen as an immediate and long-term solution.

The 21-year-old has made himself a full-time England international over the last few years, which has no doubt increased the fee the Eagles can demand for his signature.

It’s been reported that Oliver Glasner’s side are demanding at least £75m to part ways with the youngster, a fee which could prove to be outside the Red Devils’ price range.

However, he’s not the only Englishman currently in their sights ahead of the January window, with Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher another option they’re considering.

According to talkSPORT, the LaLiga side would be willing to offload the 25-year-old this winter, should they receive an offer in the region of £35m for his services.

It also states Amorim’s side would prefer a loan deal instead of a permanent one during the upcoming window, but it remains to be seen if such could be reached.

Why Gallagher would be United’s very own Wharton

There’s no doubt United need a huge overhaul of the central midfield department, with the current options at Amorim’s disposal, unfortunately, not at the level required for success.

However, given the huge investment over the summer, numerous temporary solutions will no doubt be needed in January to provide a short-term fix until the end of the season.

The summer will be the time when the board can once again invest and complete an overhaul to help achieve the success the fanbase have been starved of in recent years.

Wharton will no doubt be one of the main targets the hierarchy decide to pursue, with the 21-year-old a player who could feature in the role for at least the next decade.

However, Gallagher could be the perfect short-term solution if a deal can be agreed, with the Atlético star potentially being their own version of the Palace sensation.

He has previously played for the Eagles, like Wharton, with such a move being the perfect stepping stone to establish himself in the Premier League.

Gallagher is also a box-to-box option, just like the youngster, with the pair being ranked as similar players for their performances in England’s top-flight a few years ago.

However, when delving into their stats from the ongoing season, the 25-year-old has also produced numerous figures which are better than his fellow big-money target.

The Atletico star, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by scout Felix Johnston, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also registering more progressive carries per 90.

Such numbers showcase his incredible ability with the ball at his feet, potentially offering the side an excellent ball-playing option within the heart of the midfield.

Gallagher has also dominated without the ball, as seen by his higher tally of tackles won, whilst also managing to make more interceptions than per 90 in Spain’s top-flight.

His quality over his compatriot is further demonstrated without the ball, as the former Chelsea star has made more blocks, whilst also coming out on top in more aerial battles.

From such numbers, it shows that the 25-year-old is an excellent option in and out of possession, but it’s unclear if the player would be open to a move to Old Trafford.

Wharton will certainly still be the supporters’ first choice to fill the void at the heart of the side, but Gallagher will no doubt be the perfect immediate option this winter.

However, if it is to be completed, the two clubs need to find an agreement in the weeks ahead to get the best possible deal in place for all of the parties involved.

Related

Worse than Sesko: Man Utd’s big-money flop is now becoming another Martial

Manchester United appear to have another problem on their hands alongside Benjamin Sesko.