In a surprising turn of events, Liverpool has entered the fray to secure Crystal Palace’s talented midfielder Adam Wharton, a player that Manchester United has been eyeing for some time.

United has had their sights set on bolstering their central midfield, particularly a holding role alongside Bruno Fernandes. Their initial attempts to land Brighton’s Carlos Baleba fell flat, with the Seagulls demanding over £100 million—far beyond what the Red Devils are willing to pay.

As they look forward to the January transfer window, United now finds themselves in a heated competition for Wharton, deemed one of the brightest prospects in the Premier League. Reports suggest Liverpool has officially joined the race to sign the 21-year-old star.

Crystal Palace is not keen on parting with Wharton, especially after the recent sale of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal. The club has reportedly slapped a staggering £60 million price tag on him, positioning themselves firmly on the defensive.

Complicating matters further, Newcastle is also expressing interest, looking to reinvest some of the profits from Alexander Isak’s transfer. Wharton’s departure from Palace seems unlikely unless there are further high-profile exits from the squad.

Interestingly, United’s pursuit of talent from Crystal Palace doesn’t stop at Wharton. The club is also considering a move for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. With veteran experience often lacking in their squad, a player like Mateta could provide valuable support alongside promising talents like Benjamin Sesko.

Mateta, who turned heads last season with 17 goals in 46 appearances, is rumored to command a transfer fee of around £40 million. He's already started his scoring run this season with goals across various competitions, including one against Liverpool in the Community Shield.

As January approaches, the competition for top midfielders and strikers heats up. Will United secure Wharton and Mateta, or will Liverpool swoop in and steal the show?