Adam Wharton’s stance on leaving Crystal Palace has reportedly been revealed amid transfer interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.
The defensive midfielder is one of the most highly-rated young players in the Premier League following a stellar 17 months at Selhurst Park.
A key cog in Oliver Glasner’s side who excels both offensively and defensively, Wharton helped Palace win the FA Cup last season – the first major trophy in the club’s history.
Gareth Southgate called him up for Euro 2024 but untimely fitness issues have prevented him from adding to his solitary England cap.
Injuries also limited the 21-year-old to just 20 league appearances last season but his talent is clear for all to see, with several big clubs around Europe interested in his services.
United, Liverpool and Tottenham are all keen, as were Arsenal but their interest has likely cooled following the arrival of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.
Ruben Amorim called on the Red Devils to sign a new central midfielder after complaining about a ‘lack of pace in the middle of the park’ following the goalless pre-season friendly with Leeds on Saturday.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on Wharton but will not make a move this summer due to his lack of game time last season.
But Palace are under no pressure to sell their star player, who has four years left on his contract and, according to The Sun, is more than happy to stay in south London for the upcoming season.
If Wharton does move on, the Eagles would demand upwards of £70million, with Blackburn Rovers due 15 per cent of the profit after selling him for an initial £18m.
Glasner is desperate to hold onto his best players as Palace prepare for their first-ever European campaign, with captain Marc Guehi and talisman Eberechi Eze tipped to leave this summer.
Guehi is in the last year of his contract and heavily-linked with Liverpool while Arsenal really want Eze but are reluctant to meet his £68m release clause.
‘Adam Wharton reminds me of Michael Carrick’
Back in April, Rio Ferdinand urged Manchester United to make a move for Wharton this summer, likening the youngster to former teammate and club legend Michael Carrick.
‘I would sign another central midfielder this summer to play alongside Manuel Ugarte,’ Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
‘That player needs to be able to take the ball and transfer it up the pitch. You know who I would do for? Adam Wharton.
‘I would go and get him. The reason I would take him is he can get on the ball and transfer it up the pitch, he’s got a great range of passing.
‘I think he would be a great addition to the United squad. He reminds me of Michael Carrick a bit.’
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