Manchester United remain interested in Adam Wharton and have competition from a couple of clubs, reports Caught Offside.
United have been known all summer to want three midfielders. They've signed two, in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while they scrapped an agreement to land Atalanta's Ederson.
That means they remain on the lookout for a third, and England international Wharton has been on their radar all summer, but they've not firmed up their interest yet.
Per the report, the crowd of clubs in pursuit of him makes United's pursuit difficult, though they remain interested.
Real Madrid and Chelsea are both said to be interested, with it suggested the Blues would have to reduce their squad size before being able to sign Wharton.
Real, meanwhile, are said to prioritise other profiles in their midfield currently.
Crystal Palace demands scuppering United
There is also the issue of Crystal Palace's demands for Wharton, of €100million (£85.5m). That's just more than they spent on Tielemans and Santos put together.
The Eagles' demands are the main thing having blocked United from accelerating with interest in Wharton.
Indeed, the valuation is said to be a 'major obstacle' for the Red Devils. It is not clear how much they'd be willing to pay for the England international, but that they've not yet opened talks, it's clearly not the current asking price.
United do seem to be on the verge of a new midfield signing, but he's 18 years old and unlikely to slot into the first team.
Indeed, they're one of a few clubs looking at Leicester City teenager Louis Page, and are said to be in the lead.
Insider Pete O'Rourke said of that pursuit: 'Understand Manchester United and Arsenal have made bids for Leicester City’s highly-rated midfielder Louis Page.
'United favourites for the England U20 international with Page keen on move to Old Trafford.
'Page won EFL apprentice of the season last term.'
A fourth midfielder would likely join if Page becomes the third through the door at Old Trafford this summer.
