Liverpool have made the signing of a highly rated midfielder their number one priority, and the player is keen on a move to Anfield.
Slot bemoans depth as Liverpool make transfer decision
Liverpool manager Arne Slot bemoaned his lack of available senior players after the Reds' dramatic late defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.
"For the last five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten games, we mainly have to play with the same players, the players we have available and then sometimes a few of them could be, in the end of the game, a bit tired," the Dutchman said amid rumours he could soon be replaced by Xabi Alonso.
"I think that's what you could see today in the end as well."
And in the aftermath of that defeat, in which summer signing Milos Kerkez was replaced by the experienced Andy Robertson at half-time, Liverpool have elected to shut down Robertson's move to Tottenham.
Andy-Robertson-Liverpool-record-timeless
The Londoners made their move late last week as under-pressure boss Thomas Frank sought to add some much-needed experience to his squad.
Liverpool listened to the approach in recognition of Robertson’s contribution to the club in the last eight and a half years and the fact he is out of contract in the summer.
However, they have decided against continuing negotiations over the Scotland captain, who turns 32 in March, and Robertson has not asked for a move.
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And with one star set to stay at Anfield, attention has turned to who they could bring in, with reports on Monday revealing a new top target.
Liverpool hold fresh talks for Wharton, he wants to join
FSG have reportedly identified Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as Liverpool's number one target for 2026 and even held fresh talks for the England international.
The 21 year-old is reportedly attracted by Liverpool's "solid long-term project" and Anfield is now his preferred next step away from Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton reacts after the match
Although he was sent off in a heavy defeat to Chelsea over the weekend, Wharton has once again been a standout performer in a struggling Palace side this season, and has drawn praise from fellow England midfielder Declan Rice.
"He’s been outstanding. In training, he impressed a lot of the players. He’s so composed and calm on the ball. He played his first half of the season in the Championship, he’s [come into the England team] from Crystal Palace now.
"He's got a beautiful left foot, really crisp passing. And all round, just a really down-to-earth boy who wants to learn."
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has come under fire this season and Dominik Szoboszlai is being used all over the pitch, so the addition of Wharton, who Shay Given called "one of the most gifted midfielders in the Premier League", makes a lot of sense.
Palace are expected to demand a huge fee for their rising star however, with figures of around £100m being quoted in the press.