Liverpool are one of three top European teams keeping tabs on Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, according to reports.
The Daily Mail claim that the Reds, Real Madrid and Barcelona are all big fans of the England international, who is valued at £60m by his club.
Wharton is a holding midfielder by trade and he is likely to be under consideration as the Reds look at alternatives for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
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Arne Slot’s side were confident of securing the Spaniard’s services last summer, only for the deal to collapse at the last minute. The player now looks set to make the switch to Arsenal instead.
Ryan Gravenberch’s emergence as a No.6 has reduced the urgency to buy another midfielder but the interest in Wharton does suggest that such a move is being discussed.
Wharton is highly rated
Speaking before Manchester City faced Palace in the league back in April, manager Pep Guardiola singled out the 21-year-old for praise:
“[Wharton is] an excellent holding midfielder. He was in the national team already. The impact has been really good, coming from the Championship to the Premier League, brilliant left foot, a really good player.”
Liverpool do have other priorities
With Gravenberch having impressed this season, sporting director Richard Hughes is unlikely to consider spending upwards of £60m on a player to compete with the Dutchman.
There are other positions that require strengthening first. The Reds are expected to pay around £30m for Jeremie Frimpong to reinforce the right-hand side of defence, but the club will need to devote even more resources to buying a no.9 and a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson.
With speculation that the club are also hoping to sign a centre-back, you do wonder whether there will be any funds left over for a player like Wharton.
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