Man Utd can offer two players in blockbuster Adam Wharton transfer swap

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is quickly emerging as one of the hottest properties in European football. The grapevine is abuzz with chatter that Manchester United are eager to secure the services of the 21-year-old sensation.

After seven league fixtures, United find themselves perched in seventh position in the Premier League standings. Newcomer Benjamin Sesko finally broke his duck at the end of September after a subdued introduction to life in Manchester. While new signings like Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have strengthened the team, Ruben Amorim's side are still finding it difficult to click and pressure is starting to build on the Portuguese manager.

United had their sights set on Brighton ace Carlos Baleba during the summer transfer window but were put off by the hefty £100million asking price demanded by The Seagulls.

Clearly, Amorim and his staff recognised the need for additional firepower in the midfield. Captain Bruno Fernandes was also rumoured to be contemplating a switch to Saudi Arabia during the same period and at 31, it wouldn't be far-fetched to suggest he might be open to a change in one of the upcoming transfer windows.

Therefore, United need to begin strategising for the future and Wharton fits the bill perfectly. Reports indicate that United are willing to fork out £60m for the English whizz-kid, but it's highly probable that this figure won't meet Palace's valuation.

The London outfit have slapped a substantial £150m valuation on Wharton and with his deal running until 2029, they possess the commanding position in any potential negotiations.

While remaining satisfied at Palace, the temptation of securing a move to one of England's elite sides might prove too enticing for Wharton to resist.

After securing his maiden England cap and earning a shock inclusion in the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final, Wharton has been overlooked for recent selections.

Nevertheless, he disclosed that Thomas Tuchel provided reassurance that his displays met the required standard and he remained close to being picked, though the manager preferred to stick with squad stability.

Amorim is said to be a 'huge fan' of the emerging talent. But United might require squad trimming in forthcoming transfer windows before making a move for Wharton.

Casemiro's exit from Old Trafford appears inevitable, though a switch to Palace seems extremely doubtful considering his age and wage expectations.

But the 13-time Premier League champions could offer the Eagles either Kobbie Mainoo or Joshua Zirkzee in a swap deal to secure the services of Wharton.

Mainoo, once tipped as the next big sensation, is no longer a regular on the pitch and had sought a loan move last summer for this very reason. His request was denied, so it's likely that the 20-year-old will be looking for a permanent transfer in the January window.

With the World Cup looming next year, the England midfielder is eager to gain more game time to secure a place in the Three Lions squad. Palace would probably demand cash plus Mainoo in exchange for Wharton, whose value is currently at its peak.

Zirkzee could also be another potential bargaining chip for United. He arrived at Old Trafford amid high expectations but things haven't quite worked out for the 24-year-old.

Despite being fielded as a striker on several occasions, he hasn't managed to nail down a starting position this season, proving more effective in the No. 10 role.

AC Milan and Juventus have shown interest in Zirkzee, who joined United after an impressive stint with Bologna in Serie A. While Zirkzee doesn't fit into Wharton's deeper midfield position, his inclusion in a swap deal could give Palace additional firepower to support Mateta.

Zirkzee has already reportedly informed United officials of his wish to leave the club in January. And a switch to Oliver Glasner's side, where he may play regular Premier League football, might just be the smart move for Zirkzee.