Ex-PL chief scout: Liverpool race to sign 'exceptional' Crystal Palace star
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(Credit: Imago) Tue 31 March 2026 17:45, UK Adam Wharton has been heavily linked with a move away from Crystal Palace this summer and Real Madrid and Liverpool could finally step up their interest.Both clubs have been keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old’s performances this season, with scouts in regular attendance at Selhurst Park to watch him.There is a feeling that the England international would benefit from being allowed to step up to a more dominant side where he could show his best attributes more regularly.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that there have been concerns about Wharton’s defensive abilities, but they could be put aside.This comes as the midfielder is reportedly eyeing a move to a Champions League clubs, with Liverpool among the leading contenders as they step up their plans. ✈️ 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 Who is leading the race to sign Adam Wharton?Football Insider revealed on 14 March that Liverpool are racing Man United to sign Wharton, although they are far from the only clubs interested.Man City have been long-term admirers of the England international, while both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have shown an initial interest in his signature.Adam WhartonCrystal Palace Stats 2025-26Appearances41Starts37Minutes Played3214Assists7Adam Wharton’s 2025-26 stats.
(via Transfermarkt)After what has been another impressive season for Crystal Palace, there is a feeling he is ready to make the step up, and he has been backed to thrive at a bigger club.“There’s always going to be talk about Adam Wharton’s future,” Brown told Football Insider.“Of course Palace want to keep hold of him, he’s a very big part of the way they play and they don’t want to keep losing key players from their team.“But that might be difficult if it’s true that he want to go and play in the Champions League next year.“There’s been talk about Real Madrid and Liverpool, they’ve been watching him closely and now they might be ready to make a move.“Both of those would be good moves for Wharton, because making the step up to a more dominant side will suit him perfectly and allow him to do more of what he does best.“He’s a very talented player in possession of the ball, his range and quality of passing is exceptional, but there’s always been a bit of a worry out of possession.“Playing for a club like Liverpool or Real Madrid eases those worries a little bit, because you have the ball far more often than you do at Crystal Palace.“So if there’s any hint he might want to move on or might be available, those are the sorts of teams I’d expect to firm up their interest.”How much will Liverpool have to pay for Wharton?Crystal Palace are understandably reluctant to lose another key player this summer following the recent departures of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi in the last year.As a result, Football Insider revealed that Crystal Palace will demand £70million for Wharton and are not prepared to let one of their stars leave on cheap deals.Credit: ImagoThis price tag is not expected to deter interest from top clubs including both Liverpool and Real Madrid, although the former are expected to be less free-spending.Wharton’s current focus is also believed to be on achieving further success with Palace in the Europa Conference League before going to the World Cup with England.Meeting both of those targets would likely see the midfielder’s price tag rise again with a number of clubs across Europe believed to be keeping tabs. 🔴 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.