Tottenham are still said to be firmly in the race for one of the most in-demand Premier League players this summer. Spurs have already made a solid start to their summer business, with Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson snapped up, and attention is now firmly on continuing to strengthen with further signings.
Spurs and Roberto De Zerbi are hoping to compete for European football next season, and while there is existing talent in the squad, it's no easy task to go from back-to-back bottom half finishes to a top seven finish. Heavy recruitment is going to be required, and it looks as though that is what the Tottenham board intend to deliver.
Spurs still in Wharton race
One of the most intriguing Premier League transfer narratives this summer is where Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton is going to end up. The midfielder is expected to be on the move for big money having consistently impressed with the Eagles, and we are beginning to get a clearer picture of where he could end up.
According to FlashScore, both Tottenham and Liverpool remain firmly interested in Wharton this summer. In fact, it's claimed Spurs view the 'incredible' star as one of their primary targets this summer. That's despite ongoing talks over the potential permanent transfer of Joao Palhinha.
The North London club lose Yves Bissouma this summer, so it's logical they will try to sign another midfielder or two, and there are also links with Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali, who would likely be a Wharton alternative. Spurs are said to have been tracking Wharton for at least a year, remaining patient in timing their move.
Liverpool are also said to be keen, though, and they are said to view Wharton and AFC Bournemouth's Alex Scott as their main targets for the midfield, although it will be one or the other. The Reds seek a midfielder capable of controlling the midfield.
'Exceptional' Wharton's price and attraction
Wharton is likely to cost a huge fee this summer, with £100million floated as a reported Palace asking price. Though Premier League clubs might be confident of reducing that fee to around £80million despite the midfielder having three years remaining on his current deal.
Eberechi Eze joined Arsenal for £67.5million in a club-record sale for Palace, and so £80million would be a fresh record, and Wharton could push for an exit if the right club comes in this summer, which would weaken Palace's leverage at the negotiations table.