Manchester City face a significant rebuilding job in midfield this summer.
Bernardo Silva left the club on a free transfer to Real Madrid after his contract expired, Rodri completed a £65.4 million move to Barcelona, and Tijjani Reijnders departed for Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah on a permanent deal.
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Enzo Maresca’s side have moved to address the gap, with City in advanced talks with Lille over a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi. Lille value the 18-year-old at around £85 million.
City are also still showing interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, despite missing an informal deadline to launch a bid for him on August 14, according to Sky Sports.
That search for further midfield reinforcement has led City to a player closely tied to Liverpool.
DaveOCKOP last summer reported exclusively on Liverpool’s interest in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, with the Reds long considered admirers of the England international.
The interest in Adam Wharton from Liverpool has not been reignited this summer, and now David Ornstein has provided the latest update on the midfielder’s future.
Writing for The Athletic, Ornstein revealed that Manchester City have made enquiries to Crystal Palace over a potential deal for Wharton but were informed that the midfielder is not for sale this summer.
Wharton is among multiple candidates on City’s recruitment list as they look to strengthen their midfield options. Palace, however, have no intention of selling him before the transfer deadline on September 1.
Ornstein wrote: “Manchester City have made enquiries to Crystal Palace over a potential deal for Adam Wharton but were informed the midfielder is not for sale this summer.
“The 22-year-old is among multiple candidates on City’s recruitment list but Palace have no intention of selling him before the deadline of September 1.”
Wharton joined Palace from Blackburn Rovers in a £22 million deal in January 2024.
He won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace in 2025 for the first time in the club’s history, beating Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley, before helping the club win the Community Shield against Liverpool on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
Liverpool’s interest in Wharton has been consistent for more than a year, with the midfielder previously reported to be content to wait for a potential move to Anfield rather than join other suitors.
Manchester United and Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder at various points.