Liverpool appear to have made a significant move in the race for Adam Wharton, with the Reds reportedly making direct contact with Crystal Palace this morning.
According to an exclusive report, Manchester United made enquiries about the midfielder last night, but Liverpool have now picked up the phone and contacted Palace directly.
That could be a major development.
Liverpool make their move
The report claims Liverpool have made direct calls to Crystal Palace after Manchester United previously expressed an interest in Wharton.
It is important to stress that this does not necessarily mean Liverpool have submitted a bid, but it does suggest the Reds are actively exploring a potential deal.
And with Andoni Iraola looking to build his own midfield at Anfield, Wharton is certainly a player who would be worth considering.
Why Adam Wharton?
Wharton has developed into one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old is comfortable receiving possession under pressure and has the ability to dictate the tempo of a game from deeper areas.
His passing range and composure could make him particularly useful in a Liverpool midfield that is expected to play with intensity while still wanting to control possession.
He also has plenty of room for further development.
That could make him a long-term investment rather than simply a player brought in to solve an immediate problem.
Could Wharton fit Iraola’s Liverpool?
This is where the potential move becomes particularly exciting.
Iraola wants his Liverpool side to play aggressive, energetic football, but that style still requires players capable of controlling possession.
Wharton could potentially provide that balance.
He could operate deeper in midfield, receive the ball from Liverpool’s centre-backs and help the Reds progress the ball through the middle of the pitch.
That could also give Florian Wirtz greater freedom to operate further forward.
Imagine Wharton helping control the midfield while Wirtz is given the freedom to find pockets of space around Alexander Isak.
It is an exciting prospect.
Could this be linked to Curtis Jones?
There is another interesting subplot here.
Liverpool’s future with Curtis Jones remains uncertain, with Inter Milan reportedly preparing an improved offer for the midfielder.
If Jones eventually leaves Anfield, Liverpool would need to consider whether another midfielder should come in.
Wharton could potentially be an attractive option.
But even if Jones stays, Liverpool face a long season involving the Premier League, Champions League and domestic competitions.
Adding another high-quality midfielder would give Iraola more options.
Manchester United are also interested
The reported interest from Manchester United makes this situation even more intriguing.
United have already made enquiries.
Liverpool have now reportedly made direct contact.
That could potentially develop into a battle between two of English football’s biggest clubs.
The problem for both is that Crystal Palace are under no pressure to sell cheaply.
Wharton is young, English and already established in the Premier League.
Those factors could make him an extremely expensive player.
A phone call isn’t a transfer
Liverpool supporters shouldn’t get carried away just yet.
Direct contact with Crystal Palace is an important development, but there is still a huge difference between making an enquiry and agreeing a deal.
There is no indication at this stage that Liverpool have made a formal offer.
However, the fact that the Reds have reportedly gone directly to Palace suggests there is genuine interest.
And that is certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Could Adam Wharton be the next midfielder through the door?
Liverpool have already been extremely active in the transfer market, but Iraola’s squad is still taking shape.
Wharton would bring youth, Premier League experience, technical quality and the potential to become a major player for Liverpool for years to come.
Manchester United have made enquiries.
Liverpool have reportedly gone one step further and contacted Crystal Palace directly.
Now we wait to see what happens next.
A phone call isn’t a bid.
A bid isn’t an agreement.
And an agreement isn’t a transfer.
But if Liverpool genuinely want Adam Wharton, this could be the beginning of something very interesting.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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