Tottenham explored a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in the final weeks of the summer transfer window, journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed.
The North London side reportedly made an attempt to sign the England international following Arsenal’s hijack of their pursuit of Eberechi Eze but received a firm response from the Selhurst Park chiefs.
Neither Palace nor Wharton were said to be looking to entertain a move, with the promising midfielder focused on the season with the Eagles and making the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Several clubs are believed to have explored a deal for Wharton before the deadline, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid, but all were met with the same response.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who joined Palace from Blackburn in January 2024, is under contract until the summer of 2029.
Tottenham Explored Adam Wharton Deal
Adam Wharton
According to Bailey, there are no signs of Wharton wanting to depart Palace in the near future, as he is focused on having a full season at Selhurst Park:
“Wharton is one of those generational players where Europe’s big clubs are in regular contact – they don’t want to miss out.
“Palace are firm in their response, they never entertained the prospect of a departure this summer and they made that known.
“I am told the player himself and his people are aware of the interest, but there are no signs of him wanting to leave. He is focused on having a full season with Palace and making England’s World Cup squad. That’s it.”
Palace’s summer business saw them sell Eze to Arsenal and make five first-team signings, with Yeremy Pino, Jaydee Canvot, Borna Sosa, Walter Benitez and Christantus Uche joining.
The Eagles were also close to parting ways with captain Marc Guehi, who almost joined Liverpool on deadline day, before Palace pulled out of the deal as they were unable to sign a replacement in time.
Guehi is likely to depart Selhurst Park in 2026, either as a free agent after the season or in January, when Palace will have the final opportunity to cash in on the centre-back, who has less than a year left on his contract.
The Eagles can be much more relaxed about Wharton’s future, with the £100m-rated midfielder tied to a long-term deal and already a key player for the club ever since joining over 18 months ago.
The Blackburn-born midfielder has made 49 appearances for Palace to date, registering six assists and helping the club lift their first major trophy by winning the FA Cup last season.
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