Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has been linked with a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur, but the Eagles want to keep him at Selhurst Park.
According to a report by Give Me Sport, Crystal Palace are prepared to price Tottenham out of the move by demanding around £100 million for 21-year-old England international Adam Wharton. Despite being a phenomenal talent with a bright future, such a high fee could deter potential suitors, given that he remains relatively unproven at the highest level.
It remains to be seen whether Tottenham will test Crystal Palace’s resolve with an offer in the coming weeks. If they can persuade the Eagles to accept a more reasonable fee, it could turn out to be a masterstroke.
Spurs need more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and Wharton fits the profile for a long-term solution. He could help shore up the defensive side of midfield, giving creative players more freedom to operate.
The English midfielder may also be tempted by a move to a big club like Tottenham. Whether the two clubs can reach an agreement remains to be seen. Tottenham have been active in the transfer market and are expected to continue strengthening the squad before the window closes. Reinforcing the midfield is a priority.
Spurs have already signed a quality attacker in Mohammed Kudus, and they have come close to signing Morgan Gibbs-White as well. If they can land Wharton, it would cap off an impressive transfer window. After winning the UEFA Europa League last season, Tottenham will compete in the Champions League next season, and they need top-tier players to face elite competition.
Wharton would be an asset for Spurs
With Yves Bissouma linked with a possible exit after an underwhelming season, Wharton could be the ideal replacement in the long run. The Englishman is young enough to improve further, and he could develop into a top-class Premier League performer with the right guidance.
Thomas Frank could nurture him into a future star. Even if Tottenham have to pay a premium for him now, he could justify the investment in the long term. With that said, the North London outfit need to improve multiple areas of their squad, and they cannot afford to overpay for the player.
