- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
TBR Football understands Crystal Palace chief Steve Parish could have a major decision to make about Adam Wharton, sooner than he could have imagined.
TBR understands that a number of Wharton’s previous suitors have been keeping close tabs on his progress since his move to Selhurst Park.
Palace are delighted with the impact the 20-year-old midfielder has made since making the move in January – when The Eagles agreed a deal worth up to £22million.
Now sources have confirmed to TBR that some of their Premier League rivals are considering a potential bid this summer.
Liverpool and Manchester United among clubs eyeing Adam Wharton
Publicly Palace have played down suggestions that they could cash in on Wharton – but TBR is told by sources with knowledge of the situation that Parish would ‘find it very hard’ to reject a deal that could see them more than double their money for a player in just six months.
TBR is told that Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle are amongst those who have been continuing to keep a eye on the progress of Wharton.
Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus remain interested in Wharton – having also checked on him before his move to Selhurst Park.
Gareth Southgate considering Adam Wharton for England
Indeed, we understand that the interest is not just isolated to club level as England manager Gareth Southgate has taken note of Wharton’s impact in recent weeks and is TBR understands he is under consideration to be part of their pre-European Championship party.
The left-footed midfielder’s rapid rise isn’t too dissimilar to that of Kobbie Mainoo’s, who received his first England call-up in March.
Jamie Carragher, speaking after Crystal Palace’s 1-0 win at Liverpool last month, waxed lyrical about Wharton’s display.
“He did really well,” Carragher said.
“I think one of his first games was on a Monday Night Football. He was outstanding as well. And there were a number of Crystal Palace players who were. But he was a real standout in terms of creating chances, being on the ball, his pass accuracy, created a chance.”
Carragher clearly expects him to have a big future in the game and could that be at Anfield…