Liverpool and Manchester City reportedly have Real Madrid and Barcelona to compete with in the race for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.
Wharton has become one of English football's most in-demand talents amid a fine spell at Selhurst Park. He has shone in Oliver Glasner's midfield after earning a call-up to the England squad for last summer's European Championships, winning the FA Cup with Palace.
A new defensive-minded midfielder is on Liverpool's agenda, with question marks over Wataru Endo's future. GIVEMESPORT sources indicate that the Japanese midfielder's future will be discussed this summer amid a lack of game time.
Liverpool Target Wharton Could Head to Spain
Real Madrid and Barcelona show interest
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Former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Madrid and Barca are both "looking at Wharton", which will concern Liverpool and City. The El Clasico rivals' brand of football would suit the ex-Blackburn man, who only made the step-up to the Premier League last year.
City are considered favourites for the three-cap England international, dubbed "sensational", amid a much-needed rebuild at the Etihad. But they aren't alone in their interest and Brown suggested a move to Spain could be a better fit:
"I have that little question mark about him (in terms of covering ground), but that’s not to take away from what I know his assets are, and those assets would be a good fit for the likes of Barcelona and Madrid."
Adam Wharton in Premier League (2024-25)
Appearances:
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Palace are asking for more than £80m to sell Wharton, who still has four years left on his contract. Chairman Steve Parish may feel there's a chance to keep hold of and build around one of the club's rising stars after Glasner's men secured Europa League football next season with an FA Cup win.
Liverpool are keen to strengthen Arne Slot's squad this summer after the Dutch manager delivered the Premier League title. The Reds are linked with several top European talents, including Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.
The German could follow Jeremie Frimpong through the door as the Dutch wing-back closes in on a £30m move. He's set to become the club's first summer signing, and they are also on the hunt for a new number nine with Darwin Nunez's days at Anfield looking numbered.
Nico Williams is another potential attacking option for the Reds, although they face competition from Madrid. Reports suggest a move for the Spaniard could impact Luis Diaz's future.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 23.05.2025.
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