Liverpool have stepped up their efforts to sign Crystal Palace midfield mainstay Adam Wharton.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Liverpool are intensifying their efforts to sign Adam Wharton, with Curtis Jones closing in on a move to Inter Milan as the Reds assess their midfield options ahead of the transfer deadline.
The Reds view the 22-year-old as a potential replacement for Jones. Wharton’s ability to control games from deeper positions would allow Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai to operate further forward.
The England international is composed under pressure, comfortable receiving possession from defenders, and capable of progressing play, qualities that would make him an effective natural midfield controller in Andoni Iraola’s system.
The Eagles have no intention of selling Wharton
However, Crystal Palace have made it clear that they have little intention of selling. Palace boss Pierre Sage has insisted Wharton will remain at Selhurst Park this summer.
“We sold big players and now I think it’s not the moment to do that,” Sage said via Fabrizio Romano. “Adam can play at a big club but I think one year with us, one year with a new dynamic, will be good for him and we need him.”
Those comments underline the biggest problem facing Liverpool. Crystal Palace have already lost key players and appear unwilling to weaken their squad further by allowing Wharton to leave, having also recently rebuffed an approach from Manchester City. The midfielder has also indicated that he expects to remain at Selhurst Park for the coming season despite considerable interest in his services.
Liverpool have an uphill task on their hands
Liverpool would therefore need to convince the Eagles to change their position, potentially with a substantial offer. Palace are believed to value Wharton at around £78 million, although some reports suggest their demands could rise towards £100 million given his importance and long-term potential.
Wharton has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young midfielders since joining Palace at the beginning of 2024. He has already made 96 appearances for the Eagles, contributing 13 goals in the process.
His potential makes him particularly appealing to Liverpool, who could view him as more than simply a short-term replacement for Jones, who has joined Inter Milan. Nevertheless, the timing of any potential approach is problematic.
With the transfer window in the final stage and Crystal Palace insistent that Wharton is not for sale, Liverpool face a difficult task if they want to complete the move before the deadline.