Expert: Crystal Palace make new plan to deter Liverpool's 'big-money' move
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(Credit: Imago) Adam Wharton: Crystal Palace make new plan to deter Liverpool’s ‘big-money’ move Thu 7 May 2026 12:15, UK Adam Wharton has emerged as a leading target for Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window but a deal will not be easy to do with Crystal Palace.The 22-year-old has become a crucial player since his move from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024, and the Eagles are not prepared to let him go easily.Should Crystal Palace win the Conference League and the midfielder go to the World Cup with England, his price tag could be raised significantly.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Crystal Palace will prioritise keeping their best players at Selhurst Park this summer.Palace have shown to be tough negotiators in the past, particularly when Newcastle made a move for Marc Guehi, and Liverpool’s transfer plans may face a new blow. ✈️ Liverpool Transfer News ✈️ Breaking news on deals in progress, latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Anfield boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES How do Crystal Palace feel about selling Adam Wharton?Brown told Football Insider last month that Crystal Palace are doing everything to keep Wharton at Selhurst Park for at least one more season.Ahead of a big summer for Palace with a change in manager alongside potential big-name exits, they are keen to avoid too much of an overhaul of their squad.Adam Wharton2025-26 StatsAppearances47Starts41Minutes Played3585Assists7Trophies Won1x Community ShieldAdam Wharton’s stats for Crystal Palace in 2025-26.
(via Transfermarkt)Wharton remains an important part of their long-term plans, and they are set to demand a huge fee as a result in a big to deter potential suitors.“The priority for Crystal Palace is to keep their best players,” Brown told Football Insider.“They’ve not always been able to do that as we’ve seen recently, they’ve sold both Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, but they won’t want any more big exits after that.“Palace have shown before, rightly or wrongly, that they can be tough negotiators.“Look at what happened with Guehi and Newcastle, they went all the way up to £70million, but Steve Parish was demanding £75million and would not budge.“They have to make sure they’re getting the right price for their players, and Wharton will cost big money if any club wants to make a move for him.“Say Palace win the Conference League and then he goes to the World Cup with England, that will put them in an even better position to drive his price tag up.“So for Liverpool or any other club looking at Wharton, they will know it will have to be a huge fee, because Palace are not going to let him go easily.”Could Liverpool step up their efforts to sign Wharton?Despite Crystal Palace’s reluctance to sell, there is no shortage of interest in Wharton, and it may be difficult to keep him at Selhurst Park long-term.Brown told Football Insider on 28 May that Liverpool could accelerate a move for Wharton after they were impressed by his performance at Anfield.Credit: ImagoDespite the Eagles’ 3-1 defeat, the England international impressed in midfield, an area which Arne Slot is determined to improve in when the window opens.However, they are not alone in their pursuit, with Man United still huge admirers of Wharton, as well as the likes of Real Madrid and Man City.A host of clubs have sent scouts to keep an eye on his performances at Selhurst Park, and while Liverpool are seen as the favourites, they could miss out. 🔴 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Liverpool Insider Access Get the full story from Anfield and the AXA Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Merseyside.