Need to know
Liverpool are being linked with a move for Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton with a week to go before the January transfer window shuts
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace has been linked with Liverpool(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Here, the ECHO takes a look at the latest news and gossip surrounding Adam Wharton’s future at Crystal Palace amid reports of a potential transfer to Liverpool before the January transfer window closes...
‘Imminent’ transfer: Reports on January 26 suggest that Wharton is 'getting closer' to joining Liverpool, as Italian journalist Nicolo Schira is claiming the player has already given his availability for a five-year contract to seal a potential move to Anfield.
Transfer fee and valuation: The Daily Mail have reported Liverpool are prepared to pay a fee in the region of £80million to secure the 21-year-old. While some reports cite a starting price of £65million, Crystal Palace’s valuation could reach £100million given his long-term contract, which runs until the summer of 2029.
Echo understands: Despite the growing reports surrounding Wharton and Liverpool, the Echo understands the England star is not a current target for Arne Slot's side. So no switch this week is expected.
Summer vs winter move: While there is noise about a late January move, the Daily Mail and The Guardian both claim that a summer transfer is more likely for Wharton. Crystal Palace are reluctant to lose another key player mid-season following the recent departure of Marc Guehi to Manchester City.
Significant battle: Manchester United have made their interest in landing the midfielder’s signature known, while Real Madrid, Tottenham, and Newcastle United have also been credited with interest.
Champions League ambition: Wharton has previously hinted at what he wants from his next club when the time comes that he leaves Crystal Palace. In an interview with Sky Sports last year, Wharton stated that playing in the Champions League is one of his goals. "Champions League, if you can play in it, you want to," Wharton said.
Tactical fit: At Anfield, Wharton would theoretically be an ideal partner to enhance the performances of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, providing much-needed defensive intelligence and technical quality to the midfield.
Suspension: Wharton's dismissal for two yellow cards in Palace's 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday means he is now banned for their next Premier League game – a crunch clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday. That is the Eagles' last game before the window shuts.