Crystal Palace are now plotting a move to sign a £20 million-plus player who could be seen as a replacement for Adam Wharton, according to a recent report.
Adam Wharton could leave Crystal Palace
Wharton has been at Selhurst Park for just over a year now, after joining from Blackburn Rovers in February last year. The midfielder played just over 50 games for the Lancashire side, so it was expected that he would need time to adapt at Palace, but that hasn’t been the case, as he’s looked right at home in the Premier League.
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Wharton already has a growing reputation at this level, with his performances earning him an England call-up for Euro 2024. Despite injury problems this season, he has continued to impress, and that has led to strong speculation ahead of the summer transfer window.
It’s been claimed that Manchester United are seriously considering a move to sign Wharton, as Ruben Amorim looks to improve his team. Meanwhile, Tottenham have also registered their interest in the midfielder and plan to sell one of their current players to fund a potential £66 million move.
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton in action with Ipswich Town's Julio Enciso
In recent news, though, Manchester City are believed to have had scouts keeping a close eye on the midfielder, and it has even been claimed from Spain that City have already secured the arrival of Wharton ahead of the summer transfer window opening. The Blues are said to have been willing to shell out a ‘considerable amount’ of money on Wharton.
Crystal Palace now plotting bid to sign £20m+ player
So with Wharton potentially on his way out of Selhurst Park, the Eagles may have already found his replacement. According to Football Insider, Crystal Palace, and by extension chairman Steve Parish, are looking to make a move to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.
hayden-hackney-middlesbrough
The report states that the South Londoners have had scouts making regular checks on the Championship midfielder throughout this season, and they now believe Hackney is ready to make the move up to the Premier League. Palace scouts have been left impressed by what they have seen of the 22-year-old and are keeping a close eye on his situation.
Meanwhile, Boro are reluctant to let Hackney leave this summer and are planning to keep hold of him, but it could be difficult for them to turn down big-money offers, especially if they remain a Championship team. It has previously been reported this year that Boro would be looking to get £20 million or more for the midfielder who has been key for Michael Carrick.
Hackney's 24/25 league stats compared to Wharton
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Starts
Goals
Assists
Progressive carries
Progressive passes
Passes attempted
Passes completed
Interceptions
Tackles (Won)
Hackney is a player who has impressed many in the Championship, with Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder lauding him in the past by calling him “super”. "I’ve watched Hayden Hackney from afar, seeing his career flourish. There’s no better teacher for him than Michael, and he’ll enjoy the way Middlesbrough play. He’s a super player, and Morris is a good player in there too."