Crystal Palace have reportedly made their stance clear over Adam Wharton who continues to be linked with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. The English midfielder’s future is uncertain given the growing list of clubs eyeing him.
According to The Athletic, Palace are only willing to sell Wharton for a “hefty fee.” The club will use Nottingham Forest’s likely sale of Elliot Anderson as a “yardstick.”
It’s noted that Wharton isn’t likely to attract offers as high as Anderson who is heavily linked with a move to Manchester City. The Citizens’ latest proposal reportedly came in at £106m + £15m in add-ons, per Ben Jacobs.
Palace stance over Wharton
Wharton might not cost as much as Anderson, but it’s clear Palace want a club record fee for their midfielder. The current transfer record was set by Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal last summer in a £67.5m deal.
Reading between the lines of the club basing their valuation of Wharton on Anderson’s potential sale, it could be a figure of around £80m. He is undoubtedly worth it given his potential, age, Premier League experience and ability.
Wharton played a crucial role in last season’s UEFA Conference League triumph. The 22-year-old appeared 53 times across competitions, registering one goal and seven assists.
Liverpool have reportedly already held discussions with Wharton’s camp as far back as early May. Tottenham have recently set their sights on the Eagles star although he reportedly wants to join a Champions League club.
Eagles have to react
If Wharton were to be sold, it’s crucial that Palace replace him with a similar talent. That may well be Hayden Hackney who is expected to be on the move this summer.
The Eagles are in the mix for Hackney, although Everton are frontrunners. He’s not the only midfielder who has been linked with the South London outfit.
Ideally, Wharton spends one more season at the club and helps Pierre Sage try to make a successful start to his reign. He’ll be keen to coach one of English football’s most talented players.