Crystal Palace could secure perfect Man United swap deal to add 'complete' star to Oliver Glasner's side

Early-season top six ambitions have begun to cool a little for Crystal Palace, who nevertheless remain in the top half and have lost just twice so far this campaign.

Having drawn the most games in the division with five, that could either indicate a brilliant defensive record ready to blossom into more victories, or it could reflect the reality of another season in mid-table, particularly if the Eagles’ UEFA Conference League exploits continue to flourish.

The mid-season transfer window could prove to be an important time for Palace, both to strengthen and to avoid losing big-name stars. The future of Marc Guehi remains uncertain, with the belief withstanding that the Eagles captain will not sign a new contract at the club regardless of whether or not he is sold in January.

Another Palace star who is likely to be at the centre of a bidding war in 2026 is Adam Wharton. Despite reports that Palace have opened talks over a new contract for Wharton, many in the game feel that it is an inevitability for the England midfielder to move onto a Premier League or European giant at some stage. Oliver Glasner and Palace would be smart to secure a top-quality replacement if Wharton is to depart.

Crystal Palace could secure Kobbie Mainoo in swap deal with Man United

Manchester United have held a long-standing interest in Wharton, and will no doubt be one of the front-runners for his signature if the 21-year-old does become available on the market in the near future. The deep-lying midfielder could be perfect for Ruben Amorim’s system and the Red Devils might come in for him with conviction, be it next summer if not in January.

Should that occur, the Eagles would be smart to demand one of United’s most highly-rated stars as part of a deal, in the shape of Carrington academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo. With Palace likely to demand the best part of £100million for Wharton, the inclusion of reportedly £45m-rated Mainoo would soften the deal.

Mainoo continues to be neglected on the substitutes’ bench under Amorim, who is believed to simply not feel that the 20-year-old is the right type of midfielder for his system. Nobody is denying the 10-cap England international’s quality, though, and Palace have been reported as one of the many rival sides who would be interested in acquiring his signature.

Palace will know Mainoo is too good to be treading water on the Old Trafford bench

Mainoo has previously expressed a desire to leave United on loan, but could be tempted by the exciting project which is in the process of development under Glasner at Selhurst Park. The Red Devils starlet is simply too good to hinder his development sat on the Old Trafford bench.

Mainoo has been praised by team-mates and coaches alike ever since he burst onto the scene and became a regular fixture at United aged 18 in 2023. Veteran midfielder Casemiro said of the then-teenager later that season: “I think we have a complete player in Kobbie – aggressive, looks after the ball, a player who wants the ball. I would say that if Kobbie continues the way he’s going with this mentality, continues training hard and doing things right, Manchester United have a great player for the next 15 years.”

The Brazilian’s words appear bittersweet in hindsight, considering how Mainoo’s career has gone since Amorim arrived in Manchester 12 months ago. The gifted midfielder could still have a glittering, 15-year Premier League career, though - just maybe not at United. Crystal Palace will feel that Mainoo could be the perfect replacement for Wharton, and could reach his vast potential if he is given the keys at Selhurst Park.

They may even still manage to bank some sort of fee along with a potential swap deal - making it the perfect move for Palace as they get an immediate replacement for the in-demand Wharton.