Crystal Palace ‘concerned’ Adam Wharton’s head has been turned after what’s just been said – transfer expert
Crystal Palace are concerned about the recent performances of Adam Wharton and suggestions his head may have been turned by growing interest.
This comes after Oliver Glasner claimed some of his players are already looking towards next season and whether they might secure a move away from Selhurst Park.
The 21-year-old has seen a notable downturn in his performances of late, with the likes of Man United and Liverpool watching, leading to suggestions of unrest.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Wharton is one of multiple players who Glasner’s comments may have been about.
Crystal Palace are enduring a run of just two wins from their last 16 games following a 1-0 win against Wolves, with a close eye now being cast on their star names.
Crystal Palace concerned about Adam Wharton performances
Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Man United and Liverpool are watching Wharton, while the likes of Real Madrid have also been tracking his progress.
Given his recent dip in performances, there are some concerns about his future at Crystal Palace, while Brown explained it shows he is not the finished article.
“I think there are some concerns about Wharton’s performances,” Brown told Football Insider.
“It’s not a massive problem, players go through dips in form especially when the team are struggling to get results, but he has really dropped off recently.
“Then Glasner comes out with his comments saying some of the players have had their heads turned or are looking at where they might play next season.
“I think that forces you to look at who hasn’t been playing well that those comments could be about, and I’m afraid Wharton might be one of those.
“We know there’s interest in him and clubs have been looking at him, but he can’t afford to let his performances drop while he’s still a Palace player.
“He’s part of that spine of the team that I’ve always said they need to do whatever they can to keep, it’s Wharton, Henderson, Lacroix, and before it was Mateta.
“Now Mateta looks like he’s off after everything that happened with him, and Palace have to look at who might be next. It’s a real shame, to be honest.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta update emerges at Selhurst Park
While speculation is ongoing about who Glasner’s comments were aimed at, one player who will more than likely leave Palace this summer is Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Mateta was pushing to leave Selhurst Park during the mid-season window, but ultimately missed out on a move to AC Milan after failing a medical.
However, Brown told Football Insider on 15 February that Mateta is still part of Oliver Glasner’s plans and will return to the first-team squad rather than being banished.
The 28-year-old is expected to be available again in the summer, placing a number of clubs both in Europe and the Premier League on high alert.
For now, though, he remains a part of Palace’s squad and they hope to utilise him as they aim to push further into the Conference League and up the Premier League table.
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