Liverpool have held talks over a potential move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, according to reports.
The Anfield side have reportedly identified the 21-year-old as their top midfield target for the summer transfer window, but are set to face serious competition for his signature.
Both Manchester United and Real Madrid are claimed to be monitoring Wharton closely, although the England international is believed to have earmarked Liverpool as his preferred destination.
Wharton’s departure after the season would mark another major exit for Palace, who saw Eberechi Eze leave for Arsenal last year and captain Marc Guehi move to Manchester City this month.
Liverpool Keen on Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton
According to Liverpool insider DaveOCKOP, Liverpool have held fresh talks over signing Wharton, who is believed to be keen on a move to Anfield.
Anfield chiefs are reportedly confident the 21-year-old will snub interest from other Premier League and European clubs and become a Liverpool player, although any potential deal remains far from being done.
Wharton, who joined Palace from Blackburn Rovers in 2024, has emerged as ‘one of the Premier League’s best midfielders’ during his 24 months at Selhurst Park.
The 21-year-old helped the Eagles lift the FA Cup – their first-ever major trophy – last season, as well as the Community Shield following a win over Liverpool at Wembley.
Palace are facing a difficult task in retaining Wharton, also considering their challenging Premier League position – Oliver Glasner’s side have failed to win their last eight games and currently sit 14th in the table.
Andy Robertson to Stay at Liverpool?
Andy Robertson celebrating after a Liverpool goal
Liverpool are set to keep Andy Robertson despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur, with the Reds unable to recall Kostas Tsimikas from his Roma loan as a replacement.
The Scottish defender was linked with a shock move to north London in recent days, but now appears set to remain at Liverpool until his contract expires in June, although the situation could still evolve before the end of the January transfer window.
Robertson has played second fiddle to Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez this season, making just four starts in the Premier League and a further 10 appearances off the bench.
He was brought on at the interval of Liverpool’s 3-2 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday, which saw Arne Slot’s side extend their winless league run to five.
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