Adam Wharton: Chelsea increasingly likely to complete Crystal Palace deal as odds tumble
Adam Wharton could be set to leave Crystal Palace for Chelsea soon as one of the top bookmakers slashes his odds on a move across the capital.
Palace star Wharton has been heavily linked with a move away over the last 12 months as he shines in South London.
He is believed to be on the radar of top clubs across Europe, but talk around a move away has quietened in recent weeks.
Wharton will have been left disappointed to miss out on England's World Cup squad as Thomas Tuchel took the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Jordan Henderson instead.
He could still leave the Eagles this summer, however, as several bigger sides shake up their midfield options.
Chelsea are one of the clubs linked to his signature, and they are now being backed among every other side to seal a move in the coming months.
Chelsea are favourites to land Adam Wharton if he leaves Crystal Palace
New Blues manager Xabi Alonso is reviewing his squad and potential next moves following his appointment at Stamford Bridge.
Wharton has been on Chelsea's radar for several months, and a top former midfielder like Alonso is sure to admire someone with the 22-year-old's skillset and ability.
One of the top UK bookmakers has installed Chelsea as the new favourite to be Wharton's next club if he leaves Selhurst Park, at odds of 2/1.
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Liverpool's interest in Wharton has cooled as they focus on other positions, but they remain second-favourites at 5/2 odds.
Tottenham (3/1), Inter Milan (9/1) and Nottingham Forest (10/1) are each also believed to be in the race for his services as it stands.
What has Steve Parish said about selling Wharton?
It is all change at Palace this summer as Pierre Sage succeeds Oliver Glasner and several key players prepare to move on.
Their Conference League triumph means Europa League football will be on offer for next season, and Eagles chairman Parish has made it clear that the club will not be forced into selling anytime soon.
While speaking on talkSPORT during last season, Parish said: “The fact of the matter is he's got a long contract to run. There's no pressure on us to do it, and I don't think there's any real pressure from the player either.”
“I think Adam at some point will want to play either in the Champions League with us, if we can make that happen, or probably with another club. He's an extraordinary talent. I think right now, and I can't speak for Adam, but I think he's focused on his time at Crystal Palace. I think he's very committed to the club."