Real Madrid have added a new midfielder to their summer transfer shortlist amid reports suggesting Adam Wharton is headed to Liverpool. The Crystal Palace man has been linked with Los Blancos but Anfield is looking like his most likely destination.
Wharton is one of the Premier League's most exciting midfield talents who has caught the eye throughout his spell at Palace. He has earned comparisons with Sergio Busquets due to his ball-playing abilities and his composure on the ball.
Madrid were thought to be one of several European giants eyeing the 21-year-old who could be one of many players to leave Selhurst Park in the coming months. But Liverpool are at the front of the queue for the English midfielder.
Real Madrid impressed with Serie A star amid Wharton-Liverpool rumor
Wharton is one of many options that the club have in mind to bolster their midfield but Liverpool are favourites to secure his signature. Reports claim that the English youngster is "getting closer" to Anfield and that he's already given the Reds the green light with a five-year contract expected to be presented.
That doesn't mean Madrid are fully out of the race but they have a fight on their hands to try and hijack the Merseysiders' move. But Florentino Perez's transfer chiefs have added Serie A star Neil El Aynaoui to their wishlist, per Sacha Tavolieri.
The Sky Sport journalist claims that Los Blancos are "very closely monitoring" the AS Roma man and had scouts watch his entire African Cup of Nations campaign. He represented Morocco who finished runner up, playing the entirety of their run to the final.
The 24-year-old, born in France, has impressed the club scouting team with his performances and has been added to the midfield shortlist. He is a good profile for Los Merengues given his age and profile, a box-to-box midfielder who blends defensive solidarity with tidyness in possession.
Neil El Aynaoui
AS Roma Training Session | Fabio Rossi/GettyImages
El Aynaoui only joined Roma from French side Lens last summer but could be on the move if Madrid come calling. He has appeared 12 times in Serie A, posting one assist.
Real Madrid should sign two new midfielders
It's clear that Madrid still need to find a player who possesses the same creative brilliance as Toni Kroos. While El Aynaoui is an excellent option to further strengthen midfield, he isn't quite the playmaker that the iconic German was.
That's why it made sense for the club to pursue a deal for Wharton and that isn't completely off the cards despite Liverpool's growing confidence. There are other options, including Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, although the Argentine will be expensive.
But Madrid must look at bringing two new midfielders to the Estadio Bernabeu with different styles of play. This will help whoever is in charge long-term have the ability to change up their team against various opposition.