Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has issued a stern warning that there is no need to rush into signing midfield maestro Adam Wharton. Manchester United are already looking to sign a new midfielder, but they will lose Casemiro, whose contract expires in June, on a free transfer. A rising star in European football, Wharton has attracted attention with his impressive performances over the past two seasons.
The 21-year-old was instrumental in his team’s victory in the FA Cup against Manchester City at Wembley last season. Wharton made his England debut last year and there have been growing rumors of a move to United, but Palace chairman Parish has reminded Wharton that he still has plenty of time left on his contract.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Parish said: “At some point Adam would want to play in the Champions League with us if that were possible, and maybe at another club.”
“He’s an extraordinarily talented player. I think so now and I can’t speak for Adam, but I think he’s focused on his time at Crystal Palace. He had an injury season last season with a groin problem that a lot of young players suffer from.
“I think this season he is completely focused on playing games, getting into the England squad, becoming a regular for us and being able to deliver on Saturday, Sunday, Thursday and Sunday.
“It’s a difficult program for us right now. I think he’s very committed to the club. I don’t know where all this came from.”
Asked about interest from United, Parish said: “If Manchester United want Adam Wharton, there’s nothing surprising about that.
“The fact is he has a long contract left. There’s no pressure on us to do that and I don’t think there’s any real pressure from the players either.”
Wharton’s contract at Selhurst Park runs until the summer of 2029. The midfielder has also been linked with a move to Liverpool or Real Madrid.
