According to British media i Paper, Manchester United has regarded Walton as a higher priority than Baleba and compared him with Carrick.
According to reports, Amorim admires Walton's playing style very much. He plays directly and often does not choose to cross the ball when there is a forward passing opportunity, but decisively forwards it. Baleba was originally a long-term target for Manchester United's midfield, but after his poor start to the season at Brighton, Manchester United insiders decided to look for a player with a different style instead, and Walton just fit the bill.
Sources revealed that Baleba has never played 90 minutes this season and seems to be unable to bear the pressure brought by outside attention. One insider compared Walton to Carrick. Insiders said that Walton's ball-handling ability is better than Baleba, and the team needs such a player.
Baleba is still worth more than 100 million pounds, and Manchester United is unwilling to meet this offer. Although his status may reduce his value, it is generally believed that Walton's transfer cost will be lower.
It is unclear how much transfer fee Crystal Palace will ask for Walton, because Manchester United has not yet contacted Crystal Palace. There is no pressure on Crystal Palace to sell Walton. Just like when the transfer negotiations between Shaguei and Liverpool failed, Crystal Palace demanded that Walton's replacement must be found first before allowing him to leave the team.
This makes it unlikely that Walton will leave the team in January. However, United are willing to wait patiently in order to sign the right midfielder. Considering Crystal Palace's excellent start to the season, it is reported that Walton himself has not actively requested a transfer.
In addition, Walton’s age and pragmatic and low-key character are also in line with Ineos Group’s recruitment positioning. They are trying to get rid of Manchester United’s pattern of chasing high-paid star players in the transfer market.