Man Utd embark on Chelsea 'scouting mission' as Red Devils set sights on £60m transfer

Ruben Amorim is reportedly seeking the addition of a new midfielder

Manchester United reportedly dispatched scouts to Stamford Bridge over the weekend to run the rule over a potential transfer target. The Red Devils have already enjoyed a productive summer window, having spent just shy of £200million on four new signings. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon have all moved to Old Trafford since the end of last season. United have also been tipped to sign a new central midfielder with Brighton playmaker Carlos Baleba having been linked. He is said to be keen on making the switch but the Seagulls have placed a nine-figure price tag on the player's head. As a result, it seems unlikely that United will be able to get a deal done before the window closes. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

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They are now said to be exploring other options, with TBR Football reporting that Adam Wharton has emerged as a player of interest. It is claimed that United sent scouts to watch him play for Crystal Palace against Chelsea in their Premier League opener. It ended in a goalless draw, with Eberechi Eze seeing a brilliant free-kick ruled out following a VAR intervention. Wharton played the holding role in a three-man midfield and was instrumental for Palace as they earned a clean sheet. He won four duels and was only dispossessed once while also playing eight passes into the final third.

United scouts reportedly watched Adam Wharton play against Chelsea

United have been linked with Wharton in the past but any move to Old Trafford would not come cheap. Earlier this summer, it was reported by the Daily Mail that Palace were unwilling to sell the 21-year-old for anything less than £60million. Only time will tell if the Red Devils decide to firm up their interest before the window closes, given that a move for Baleba now looks unlikely.

Ruben Amorim recently suggested that Mason Mount could drop into a deeper midfield role if United fail to strengthen in that area.

Read more: Benjamin Sesko shows true Man Utd colours after debut vs Arsenal

"I’m really happy with our [midfield] players, they are working really well," said the Red Devils manager before Sunday's narrow defeat to Arsenal. "We have different players for that position, so we are prepared to win any game with our players. Maybe Mason Mount is a player that can play in that position if we want something different, but then we are going to find out during the season." United have also been widely tipped to sign a new goalkeeper after Andre Onana was left out of the squad against Arsenal. Altay Bayindir was handed a rare start between the sticks with Tom Heaton named among the substitutes. For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express MUFC newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.

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