Chelsea and Manchester United are potentially set to battle it out and try to compete for Adam Wharton this summer.

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Chelsea are in a funny position right now in terms of their midfield. They’ve got the numbers, but nobody is quite sure who can be trusted.

Romeo Lavia is a very good player on his day – but years of evidence shows his body can’t be trusted. You can’t rely on him as a main option.

Enzo Fernandez is a good player too – but nobody is sure if he wants to be at the club, or will still be there come September.

Then there’s Dario Essugo – he missed his whole debut season with injury, and nobody is sure if he’s at a Chelsea level anyway.

So Xabi Alonso has something of an illusion of options, and many fans would love to see an elite operator signed to play alongside Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea will have to match Man U mega bid for Wharton

One option we hear mentioned most often as a possibility is Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace. The Blues have been linked to the England international a lot, and that interest could yet become concrete.

TeamTalk report today that Manchester United are the latest team to try and take a swing at the former Blackburn metronome, who is valued at more than €100m by Palace as they look to try and get Elliot Anderson money for him.

Chelsea aren’t likely to be in a position to pay that unless Enzo leaves – so there’s no doubt the Red Devils have the lead in this chase if they want to take it.