Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has made it clear that he is only interested in joining Liverpool when he leaves, despite interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid too, according to Fichajes.net.
The England international has emerged as one of the top young midfield prospects in the Premier League over the last 12 months, with his excellent performances helping the Eagles to claim the first major trophy in their history last season as they lifted the FA Cup.
That has seen a number of top clubs make their appreciation for his talents known, including the Premier League champions, and it has now emerged that the player's preferred destination would be Anfield.
Adam Wharton Wants to Join Liverpool
Adam Wharton in action for Crystal Palace
Wharton, who is said to be valued at around £100m by club owner Steve Parish, has been a major target for the Red Devils in recent months, but their financial situation and Palace's reluctance to sell made a deal impossible.
A move is now anticipated to take place next summer after another season of development at Selhurst Park, and the 21-year-old midfielder is seen by many as the perfect long-term target to strengthen top clubs' midfield options.
Real Madrid, Man Utd and Chelsea have all shown a strong interest alongside Liverpool, but it has now emerged that joining Arne Slot's side would be the player's preference should all go to plan. The player has already made it clear to Liverpool that he would be open to joining their project, and other clubs are aware too.
However, that has not put them off trying to convince him to change his mind. Real Madrid see Wharton as a potential replacement for Aurelien Tchouameni, but Wharton would prefer to continue in the Premier League even if he didn't join Liverpool.
Chelsea see him as the perfect competition for Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in their midfield, while the club's strategy of signing the best young talent means Wharton will undoubtedly be a target too. Man Utd also see the England man as a replacement for Brazil superstar Casemiro, while Manuel Ugarte's struggles mean a new holding midfielder is seen as a priority next summer.
It's understood that clubs feel that a deal could be completed for around £70m, and with Wharton's wish to move to Anfield being a huge step for any deal, it's one that could move quickly.