Liverpool to rival Manchester City for Crystal Palace star after missing out on Martin Zubimendi
09/06/2024 08:53 AM
Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Adam Wharton following his breakout season with Crystal Palace.
The transfer window may be closed but clubs are already looking at potential signings for next summer.
City may well be very busy then amid reports they could lose star player Rodri who may be tempted to join Real Madrid.
The Spaniard is the best defensive midfielder in the world and a frontrunner for this year’s Ballon d’Or so would leave a big void in the team, but even if he stays put the Citizens are keen to bolster their already impressive midfield options.
To that end, the Daily Mail report that City are keeping tabs on Wharton who only joined Palace from Blackburn Rovers in January for £22million and has a contract until 2029.
The 20-year-old’s meteoric rise from the Championship to the Premier League to England’s Euro 2024 squad has been very, very impressive and he’s set to be a key player for Oliver Glasner as Palace attempt to qualify for Europe for the first time in their history.
Wharton’s defensive and technical prowess would seemingly make him a good fit to replace the imperious Rodri, but City aren’t the only Premier League giant interested in his services.
Liverpool remain in the market for a new defensive midfielder after missing out on the £51m transfer of Martin Zubimendi.
The Spaniard looked set to become Arne Slot’s first signing for the Reds but the Euros winner changed his mind at the last minute to stay at Real Sociedad.
Liverpool had other names on the shortlist but opted against making a signing, with Ryan Gravenberch impressing as Slot’s deepest lying midfielder in the opening games of the season.
As well as Wharton, the Reds are also said to be eyeing up Palace defender Marc Guehi who remained at Selhurst Park despite strong interest from Newcastle.
City were previously linked with signing Eagles attacker Eberechi Eze but didn’t act on their interest, with both he and Guehi now hoping to impress new England boss Lee Carsley in this week’s Nations League fixtures.
Wharton meanwhile pulled out of the Three Lions’ U21 side to nurse a groin injury but he is expected to be fit in time for Palace’s next game against Leicester on September 14.
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