Manchester United are targeting Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton in next summer’s transfer window, while a move for ex-Real Madrid free agent David Alaba has been ruled out
The transfer window might have slammed shut, but Manchester United could still see new faces arrive at Old Trafford as Michael Carrick looks to reinforce his midfield.
The Red Devils have seen an overhaul in the engine room – with three new midfielders all signing on the dotted line: Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba were snapped up from Aston Villa, Chelsea and Brighton respectively.
And as the Red Devils battle on four fronts, United fans have pointed to the possibility of picking up David Alaba, who remains a free agent after the window. Daily Star Sport has a look at all the latest tales emerging from Old Trafford….
Adam Wharton race
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Crystal Palace managed to retain Adam Wharton this summer, but according to ex-Chelsea ace John Obi Mikel, the England star won’t remain at Selhurst Park for long. The 22-year-old has drawn a host of admirers due to his standout performances, reports the Mirror.
Wharton has been linked with transfers to United, Chelsea and Liverpool over the past year, but Obi Mikel reckons it’s the Red Devils that will clinch the race for his signature. During a live Q&A with AFTV’s Robbie Lyle, the ex-Nigeria international declared: “I love him!
“I love Adam Wharton, I’m a big, big fan. I think he’s going to go places, though, I think next season he will leave Crystal Palace. I think they want to keep him for one more season, and I see him going to Manchester United next season.”
David Alaba decision
The era when United would pursue high-profile players past their peak is long over. The strategy of signing stars like Bastian Schweinsteiger, Edinson Cavani and welcoming back Cristiano Ronaldo is one the club hasn’t adopted for several years.
With a focus on recruiting young talents with immense potential, a move for free agent David Alaba has been dismissed for Carrick’s team. MEN’s United correspondent Tyrone Marshall was involved in a Q&A with United supporters, where he was questioned about why the club were not contemplating moves for Alaba and fellow ex-Real Madrid stars, Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal.
He responded: “From what I have been told, United aren’t looking at the free agent market. Many of these players available are past their best; Ramos and Carvajal certainly fit that description. Others have been released because their games have regressed, such as Alaba.
“Essentially, they are free agents for a reason, but they are also players who in the past have been paid very handsomely. They don’t fit the recruitment model that Ineos have introduced at Old Trafford.”