Manchester United have been linked to Adam Wharton but it appears the Blackburn Rovers starlet is in no rush to leave the Championship for the Premier League.
If you were to ask avid second-tier viewers about a 19-year-old midfielder who has already established himself as a regular fixture in Blackburn’s first team, do not be surprised if those who have watched Adam Wharton at close quarters make reference to the likes of Jack Grealish, James Maddison or even Jude Bellingham.
Like the aforementioned trio, now at Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid respectively, Wharton looks like a footballer destined to end up at a far higher level.
Manchester United eye Blackburn’s Adam Wharton
Blackburn boss John Dahl Tomasson believes the teenager boasts ‘Champions League-level‘ quality in possession, the poise and the guile with which he moves the ball around the Ewood Park pitch reminiscent of a player with far more experience under his belt.
Unsurprisingly, then, almost every Premier League big-hitter has been linked at some point over the last few months. Manchester United were the latest, via The Sun in August.
But, as Blackburn director Gregg Broughton tells the Lancashire Telegraph, Wharton will not push to leave Rovers before he is ready, the well-respected Omini Sports agency helping to keep a mature head on young shoulders.
“I always felt we would keep Adam this summer,” Broughton explains. “There wasn’t a huge push (for Wharton to leave, which usually comes) from the agent and the player making themselves available.
“We knew that wouldn’t come from Adam. He’s happy at the football club and he can see his development.
“I have to say, he’s got very strong representation. I have to give a lot of credit to his agent. Adam is with a top agent who understands young players’ development,” Broughton adds.
“He understands that, when they leave the club, they have to continue their momentum. And if you go to a Premier League club as a young player (to become) an Under-21 or a squad player, your momentum stops.
“Adam and his representatives understand that. And, when he does leave Blackburn Rovers, it will be because he can take a forward step and make his momentum go further forward.”
Wharton is in no rush
Blackburn-born local lad Wharton had featured in every one of Rovers’ Championship games this season before a groin injury ruled him out of Saturday’s 4-0 crushing of Queens Park Rangers.
It goes without saying, really, that first-team football would probably be a lot harder to come by at Manchester United right now.
United, meanwhile, are also eyeing Javi Guerra, Joao Neves and Arthur Vermeeren, a talented young midfielder seemingly a leading target for 2024.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
