Man City want to sign Adam Wharton (Image: Getty)
Manchester City's chase for Adam Wharton could be boosted by Crystal Palace's increasing interest in James McAtee, according to reports. The 22-year-old Etihad starlet, McAtee, is high on the Eagles' January transfer window wishlist and would command a fee of around £25million.
This potential move could open the door for Palace's central midfielder Wharton to make a switch in the opposite direction, report the Daily Star. The England international, currently sidelined due to injury, carries a hefty price tag of £60m after an impressive six-month stint last season at Selhurst Park following his £18m transfer from Blackburn.
City boss [Pep Guardiola](https://www.express.co.uk/latest/pep-guardiola) is a big admirer of 20-year-old Wharton but fears that Palace may not be willing to let him go anytime soon. However, with Palace now eyeing McAtee, City might agree to negotiate - potentially offering a player-plus-cash deal for Wharton.
The reigning English champions would need to put at least £35m on the table, along with academy graduate McAtee, to make this happen when the transfer window opens next month. Whether Wharton is open to a move is yet to be seen.
However, if he feels that the south London club is ready to let him go - at the right price - he might be convinced.