England boss Gareth Southgate has singled out a midfielder who Tottenham Hotspur are considering signing for praise.
Spurs could have one star in the England squad for this summer’s Euros as James Maddison bids to impress Gareth Southgate next week.
Maddison has struggled since returning from an ankle injury in January but made Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad last week.
It’s fair to say the England boss sprung a few surprises with his selection as the likes of Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford missed out.
One name to come on that Tottenham fans will be familiar with is Adam Wharton, who starred for Crystal Palace during the second half of last season. The midfielder was on Spurs’ radar before sealing a £19 million switch to Selhurst Park in January.
TBR Football revealed earlier this month that Tottenham are continuing to monitor the progress of Wharton after his move to Palace.
And after receiving a deserved call-up to the England squad ahead of the Euros, Southgate has been discussing Wharton’s impact in the Premier League.
READ MORE: Kyle Walker stunned by what once happened to £22m Tottenham man
Southgate impressed by Tottenham target Adam Wharton
Speaking to England’s media team ahead of friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland next week, Southgate lauded Wharton.
“Adam Wharton, transfer in the middle of the season,” the Three Lions boss said. “He really adapted to life in the Premier League well.
“Very composed with the ball, Palace finished the season well so that all came together for that group of players and coach at a nice time.
“He has only just got into our under-21 group but we have seen enough to suggest he’s a player we would like to see more of and find out a bit more about.”
READ MORE: Tottenham monitoring £15m defender who nearly scored against Guglielmo Vicario from inside own half
Tottenham missed a trick with Wharton
Spurs were heavily linked with a move for the 20-year-old ahead of his switch to Palace but never firmed up their interest.
He’s since caught the eye under Oliver Glasner and Palace are likely to demand a much higher fee than the £19 million they paid to sign him should he move on.
For the time being, it looks as if Spurs will have to look elsewhere as they bid to bolster Postecoglou’s options in midfield.
While Wharton would be a difficult deal to pull off this summer, they are keen on Hayden Hackney – another talented midfielder who has excelled in the Championship with Middlesborough.