Wharton Attracts Intense Interest as Palace Resists January Sale

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is the subject of intensifying interest from a host of top clubs across England and Europe, with Real Madrid and Liverpool among those reportedly preparing bids and Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea also tracking the 21 year old. Palace have signalled they will resist a midseason sale, setting the stage for a likely summer transfer fight for one of the Premier League's most sought after young midfielders.

Spanish reports say Real Madrid are preparing an offer in the region of 52 million to 60 million, while other outlets have claimed Madrid and Premier League suitors could face a Palace asking price substantially higher, with figures as high as around 100 million circulated. Those numbers conflict with other reports suggesting Palace would entertain bids north of 60 million and that the club would prefer to sanction a sale in the summer of 2026 rather than in January. Club officials have not confirmed any formal offers.

Wharton, who moved from Blackburn Rovers to Palace in early 2024 for an initial fee reported to be around 18 million to 22 million including add ons, has fast emerged as a commanding presence in midfield. The England...