Adam Wharton, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, made his feelings clear during a Crystal Palace training session on Wednesday.
As Sky Sports cameras were rolling ahead of their UEFA Conference League play-off match against Frederkstad, reporter Gary Cotterill joked that they wouldn’t be focusing on the midfielder’s future as he warmed up.
Upon hearing this, Wharton appeared to adjust his training bib and pointed towards the Palace badge. The focus was actually on Eberechi Eze, who is said to be close to joining Arsenal after being linked with Tottenham Hotspur.
However, speaking about Wharton recently, the Manchester Evening News quoted Rio Ferdinand as saying: “We’ve been talking about Baleba, he’s been the hot topic for the last month or so, but before that, Adam Wharton was one of the guys I was saying.
“He’s the nearest to a Michael Carrick type, who’s a controller, who can play, who plays forward from that deeper line position at times.”
“He can be an eight if you need him to be and can run on at times if need be, but he’s more of a conductor and can control things.
“I watched him in a couple of games last season against big teams like Man City and Liverpool, and he looks unfazed. He looks ready for a big occasion.
“He enjoys pressure, can play under pressure, and the game kind of slows down when the ball is around him. I love him. I think he’s a fantastic footballer.”
Nevertheless, landing a move for Wharton may prove difficult as Crystal Palace wrestle with the possible exits of Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze to Liverpool and Tottenham respectively.
The 21 year old midfielder still has four years left to run on his current deal.
Manchester United have fewer than two weeks to complete their remaining transfer dealings.
Ruben Amorim is optimistic that the club’s recruitment drive will lift his squad to greater levels, after an encouraging display that eventually resulted in disappointment against Arsenal.
The Red Devils have already secured major signings in Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, investing approximately £200million.
Morten Hjulmand and Wharton are presently being evaluated as United seek to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s engine room.
Hjulmand is well-known to the United manager, having featured 65 times under the Portuguese tactician.
The 26 year old is understood to be obtainable for roughly £50m.