Liverpool are the latest club showing interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, eSPORTY understands.
Wharton is expected to leave Palace at the end of the season with the south London club demanding at least £80million for their star midfielder.
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Liverpool are exploring their midfield options with Curtis Jones a potential departure.
The homegrown star was linked with a move to Inter Milan in the January transfer window and the Serie A leaders could return for the England international this summer.
There is also uncertainty over the future of Alexis Mac Allister, who has just two years remaining on his current deal.
The Argentine World Cup winner was a key component of Liverpool’s title-winning side of last season, however his form has taken a huge dip as links with a move to Real Madrid continue to fester.
Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai have provided the two mainstays for boss Arne Slot this season with sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG’s head of football Michael Edwards both tasked with upgrading the Reds’ midfield.
Going to Whar
Wharton’s attributes side heavily with Liverpool’s current midfield deficiencies.
Strong in possession and an ability to dictate play with composure, the 22-year-old provides the perfect foil for Slot’s needs.
However, firstly, the Reds must oust Manchester United in the race for Wharton’s signature.
United have a midfield rebuild of their own this summer with Casemiro departing at the end of the season.
And the future of skipper Bruno Fernandes remains unclear with just 14 months remaining on his existing deal at Old Trafford.
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As well as Liverpool and United, Real Madrid are also believed to be keeping tabs on Blackbrun Rovers academy graduate Wharton ahead of their own anticipated summer shake-up.
No easy pickings
However, Crystal Palace are determined to keep hold of their prized possession beyond the summer transfer window.
Reports have suggested that Wharton is keen to leave Selhurst Park at the end of the season in the hope of testing himself at a higher level.
UEFA Conference League success for the Eagles could provide the key to keeping hold of the star.
Palace are reluctant to lose any more of their star players following the exits of Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi over the last 18 months.
There has also been interest in Maxence Lacroix, while wantaway striker Jean-Philippe Mateta saw a winter switch to AC Milan fall through.
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But any strong interest this summer is likely to involve Wharton who has quickly transformed himself into one of the Premier League’s most capable midfielders.
Wharton arrived at Selhurst Park in February 2024 on a five-and-a-half-year deal for an initial £18m fee.
His performances earned rave reviews leading to a call up to the senior England squad.
Wharton made his debut for the Three Lions in June 2024 as a substitute in a 3-0 friendly win against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park.
He has since featured on four occasions and is in line to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s World cup squad.
