Real Madrid are reportedly giving serious consideration to making a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton during next summer's transfer window.
The 21-year-old arrived at Palace from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, and he has proven to be an inspired signing for the club, making 44 appearances since his arrival at Selhurst Park, providing six assists in the process.
Wharton came up with an assist in Palace's Community Shield win over Manchester City last weekend, and he is widely expected to be a part of the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the midfielder's future this summer, with Manchester United, Man City and Liverpool all believed to be keen on his services.
Palace are expecting to keep hold of Wharton beyond the end of this summer's transfer window, but according to Fichajes, he has been identified as a long-term target for Real Madrid.
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton on April 26, 2025
Real Madrid 'seriously considering' Wharton move in 2026
The report claims that Palace value Wharton in the region of £86m, and there could be a scramble for his signature next year if he has another strong campaign.
Real Madrid have boosted their defence this summer with the arrivals of Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras, while attacker Franco Mastantuono has joined from River Plate.
Los Blancos have not replaced Luka Modric, though, and the absence of a technical midfielder could cause them problems when it comes to wrestling the La Liga title back from Barcelona.
Head coach Xabi Alonso allegedly views Wharton as the perfect player to work in his system due to his distribution and vision, while his tactical reading of the game is also at a high level.
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze celebrate on May 1, 2024
Could Man United make a late move for Wharton?
Man United are currently working on a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba, with the Cameroon international viewed as their leading midfield target this summer.
However, it has been claimed that Wharton is a serious alternative for the Red Devils, and the club may decide to switch their attention to the Englishman if a deal for Baleba becomes impossible.
That said, Palace are bracing themselves to potentially lose both Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze in the latter stages of the transfer window, so an exit for Wharton is much more likely during next summer's market.
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