Crystal Palace 'have an agreement' to sell Adam Wharton after Man City offer

Adam Wharton is expected to leave Crystal Palace next year despite seeing his exit blocked in the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old has attracted high-profile interest from some of Europe's clubs in the last 12 months, including Man City, who saw a late enquiry rejected by the Eagles.

His performances have been key to Crystal Palace lifting the FA Cup and Conference League in the last two seasons, and they had no intentions of letting him go this year.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Wharton has an "informal agreement" with Crystal Palace to leave the club in next summer's window.

The England international is happy to remain at Selhurst Park and continue his development in the Europa League, but has ambitions of taking a step up in the future.

Wharton is under contract at Selhurst Park 2029, placing the club in a strong position with regard to his future, but they are likely to facilitate a big-money move next year.

Which clubs are interested in signing Adam Wharton?

Brown told Football Insider on 20 August that Man City would have had to part with a "massive" fee to sign Wharton this summer, as Crystal Palace would not sell.

However, they are keeping a close eye on his situation alongside their European rivals, with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid also tracking the midfielder.

There is an belief at Selhurst Park, much like with Marc Guehi and Michael Olise, that Wharton will go on to be one of the world's best players, and they will not stand in his way.

"Adam Wharton is going to be one to keep an eye on next year," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's been realistic, he knows there is interest in him, but he's under contract at Crystal Palace and he's a crucial player for a side who have won trophies and are playing in Europe.

"He's a very talented player, so he knows eventually he will get a big move, but for now he's happy to continue his development at Palace.

"For Wharton, as you explained, it seems to be more like the Eze, Olise and Guehi situations where he can bide his time and develop before getting a big move eventually.

"It seems he is happy with that and Crystal Palace are certainly happy to keep him and then facilitate a good move, because the loyalty to these players goes both ways.

"I've heard there is a sort of informal agreement in place, and if a club like a Man City or Real Madrid come in for him next summer, Palace won't stand in his way.

"We've seen similar from Palace in the past, they think he's going to have a very bright future, so they're going to hold on to him for as long as they can, but they'll let him go and flourish.

"Crystal Palace aren't going to compete on the level of some of the teams who are interested in him, so from the player's point of view, he can continue his development and then make a big move.

"It obviously won't be a cheap deal, it still has to work for Crystal Palace, but it won't be the same situation as this summer where they wouldn't entertain any offers."

How does Wharton feel about leaving Crystal Palace?

Alongside Crystal Palace's determination to keep hold of Wharton this summer, their stance has been heavily aided by him being happy to stay in South London.

Unlike some of his teammates, notably Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta, the midfielder has not kicked up a fuss or attempted to force through a move away.

Brown told Football Insider on 3 September that Wharton has "put his teammates to shame" and shown loyalty for the opportunity Crystal Palace have given him.

Pierre Sage has recently spoken about the midfielder's future, as he confessed they received offers in the summer, but the player has always been happy to stay.

However, loyalty goes both ways in football, and Crystal Palace will not stand in the midfielder's way should big-money offers arrive next year.