Manchester United could sign a player for £65 million if they qualify for the Champions League! A live scouting opportunity against Crystal Palace, facing off against the new star's rival

Manchester United will host Crystal Palace at home this Sunday, where a player on the club's summer transfer shortlist—Adam Wharton—will be under the scrutiny of Old Trafford fans.

Red Devils supporters need not wonder if he had a childhood dream of playing for United; the answer is no. Wharton has supported Blackburn since he was four, joined their youth system, and when he moved two years ago, Blackburn staff were astonished that no northern English Premier League clubs stepped in. Ultimately, Wharton joined London-based Crystal Palace.

Wharton just turned 22 this month, but his future is filled with uncertainty. Not long ago, United fans might have imagined Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner bringing Wharton along to the Theatre of Dreams. Now, however, Glasner is no longer in line for the United job, and Wharton has been unable to halt Palace's decline in form.

Manchester United are likely to return to the Champions League next season. The club is set to make a strong push for a top-tier midfielder this summer, preferring Premier League-proven players, and is expected to sign two new midfielders. Wharton, born in northern England and capped for the national team, is among the four leading candidates.

Wharton is eager to play in the Champions League, and some fans believe he would be a perfect fit for United. However, his profile is similar to that of United's Kobbie Mainoo, with whom he competes for a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad. Since Mainoo has reclaimed a starting role, United's likelihood of signing Wharton has diminished.

This summer, Wharton's departure from Crystal Palace seems almost certain. His style is considered very Spanish-influenced, with Barcelona and Real Madrid both rumored to be interested. He could also attract the attention of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group with his performance against United.

In the first meeting this season, Wharton delivered a clever pass that forced Leny Yoro to foul Jean-Philippe Mateta, conceding a penalty. However, he later tired and was substituted in the 78th minute, as United came back to win 2-1. This season, with Crystal Palace unusually competing in Europe, Wharton faces the test of balancing domestic and continental football—a trial run before a potential move to a top club.

In 27 Premier League appearances for Palace, Wharton started 24 times and completed the full 90 minutes in 14 matches, but he was often rested in Europa League games. This may not be enough to replace Casemiro, and it's widely believed United prefer Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, though the 23-year-old midfielder is a Manchester City fan.

United's signings from Crystal Palace have generally not been successful. Wilfried Zaha missed the chance to play under Sir Alex Ferguson, made only four appearances under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal before being sold; Aaron Wan-Bissaka's five years at United have been mixed, failing to justify his £50 million price tag.

Unlike Zaha and Wan-Bissaka, who are London natives, Wharton was born in Lancashire in the north, so he might adapt better to life up north. Wharton's contract with Crystal Palace runs until 2029, and reports suggest a gentleman's agreement allows a £65 million transfer this summer if a Champions League club makes such an offer.

Wharton's recent form has dipped, but he stepped up in the Europa League playoffs, helping Crystal Palace reach the last 16 by providing a superb assist to open the scoring.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown revealed: "Glasner commented that some players are already thinking about their next move. I think that leads people to consider which underperforming players he might be referring to, and Wharton is likely one. We know many clubs are interested in him, and several are monitoring him, but as long as he remains a Crystal Palace player, he cannot allow his performance levels to drop."