Liverpool are expecting another very busy summer transfer window to rebuild their squad, and they're now closing in on their first signing of the window.
The Reds have had a disappointing season despite spending a record-breaking £440m last summer, and currently sit fourth in the Premier League table ahead of their trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, knowing they are on the brink of qualifying for next season's Champions League.
But with little else to play for this season, the club have begun their preparation for next year already, and the recruitment team are already busy getting a deal over the line before the current campaign has even concluded.
Liverpool In Advanced Talks for Wharton
Adam Wharton playing for England vs Albania
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Liverpool are in 'advanced talks' to sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton this summer ahead of Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from Selhurst Park this summer, and the Anfield club have had a long-standing interest in him, with reports that the player also wants to join the Merseysiders if given the opportunity.
Described as a 'superstar', Wharton is expected to leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season, with sources suggesting that a deal could cost around £80m or even more, while there is also believed to be plenty of competition for his signature from clubs like Manchester United.
Liverpool are likely to be in the market for a midfielder this summer with the future of Curtis Jones up in the air, while Alexis Mac Allister has also been linked with a move away after a below-par campaign from the Argentina international. GIVEMESPORT sources reported last month that talks had been held about a move for Wharton.
Wharton Would Be Perfect Liverpool Signing
Adam Wharton
When Slot arrived at Anfield he wanted a new number six to play in midfield, and when he couldn't sign Martin Zubimendi he opted to assign Ryan Gravenberch that role, moulding him into a more reserved midfielder rather than the box-to-box star he was at Ajax.
But as time has gone on, the need for a specialist number six has grown, and Wharton would be able to fill that role perfectly, while also freeing up Gravenberch to go back to being his all-action best self.
£60m isn't cheap by any means, but considering Wharton's age and the experience he already has in the Premier League and Europe, it could turn out to be a bargain. Alongside Jeremy Jacquet, who has already signed, this would be the perfect start to the summer window for Liverpool.
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Liverpool are planning ahead already.