Richard Hughes looks at the media during a press conferenceplaceholder image
Richard Hughes looks at the media during a press conference | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool have their eye on Premier League rival Adam Wharton
Liverpool are looking to strengthen their squad in multiple areas over the summer, despite spending a record-breaking amount of cash last year.
While defence is a major focal point for the Reds, they remain keen on bringing in a marquee signing to the midfield as well. There’s one name that continues to appear in headlines linked with Liverpool, and that’s Adam Wharton.
The Crystal Palace midfielder has attracted significant attention from multiple clubs in recent months but a new report claims that Liverpool are ‘confident’ they can lure the England international to Anfield.
Others said to be keen on signing Wharton include Manchester City and Arsenal, as all of the Premier League ‘Big Six’ have been credited with interest.
Liverpool focusing on signing Adam Wharton
According to Fichajes, Liverpool have ‘set their sights’ on signing Wharton this summer. The Reds are reportedly looking for a midfielder who can ‘inherit the keys to the team’ and essentially command the middle of the park.
Richard Hughes and co see Wharton as the ‘ideal partner’ to support the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. The club feel their ‘structure and ambition’ will be enough to sway the 21-year-old in their direction, despite the level of competition stacked against them.
Wharton mostly plays as a defensive midfielder, which will allow Dominik Szoboszlai to free himself up and contribute more creative play for the Reds.
How much will Adam Wharton cost?
Crystal Palace have been the centre of a lot of transfer interest recently. Long-standing Liverpool target Marc Guehi has finally made his move, but to Manchester City instead.
The Eagles have also previously sold Eberechi Eze, and now Wharton and Jean-Philippe Mateta are wanted by several rivals.
Those at Selhurst Park have reportedly accepted Wharton will be leaving the club but they aren’t willing to let him go for cheap. An initial transfer fee of £65 million has been quoted but that is expected to be higher when taking into account bonuses.
This doesn’t seem to be a problem for Liverpool, who are planning to ‘invest heavily’ this summer to avoid opening the floor to a bidding war. In short, the Reds are willing to pay Palace what they want so other clubs don’t have the chance to swoop in with a better offer.
Continue Reading