Wharton, 21, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most consistent young midfielders since joining Palace from Blackburn Rovers, and his rapid rise has put him at the top of United’s shortlist as the club prepares for a major squad rebuild under Ruben Amorim.

United’s interest is serious, but any potential deal is expected to be expensive. Palace is understood to value the England international at around £70 million, and there is no indication they would entertain a cut-price offer.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Wharton’s agent James Featherstone offered rare insight into the midfielder’s development blueprint and inadvertently signaled that a move to a Champions League contender is an eventual objective.

“When he was still at Blackburn, we sat down together and mapped out a plan,” Featherstone said. “The conversation was about aiming high playing for England, competing at the top level.
To play for England regularly, you need Champions League football. And to reach the Champions League, you need to play for one of the biggest clubs in Europe.”

Featherstone stressed the importance of not rushing any move, highlighting Wharton’s age and the need for gradual progression:

“He’s 21 sometimes we have to remind ourselves of that. Not everything has to happen immediately. He has seasonal targets, performance goals and a clear structure to maximise his ability. If he keeps doing his part, everything else will fall into place.”

Wharton only arrived at Selhurst Park last year, yet he has become central to Oliver Glasner’s midfield. Since signing, he has made 62 appearances in all competitions, played a key role in Palace’s impressive FA Cup triumph, and helped the club secure European qualification.

His form has earned him a place in England’s senior squad under Thomas Tuchel, winning three caps and positioning himself as one of the country’s brightest young midfield prospects.

The midfielder remains contracted to Palace for another three and a half years, giving the club considerable leverage in negotiations.

Wharton is not the only name on United’s radar. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher have also been discussed internally as potential additions as the club plans to refresh its midfield options.

Any arrival could have consequences for academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, who is reportedly assessing his future after slipping down the pecking order under Amorim.

With Palace in a strong negotiating position and Wharton in no rush to force a move, United may have to wait until the summer to make a decisive push. However, the clarity from his agent suggests that when the opportunity arises to join a Champions League project, Wharton will be ready and United hope that destination will be Old Trafford.