Sources: Crystal Palace make new Adam Wharton exit plan after Man City approach
Crystal Palace will not allow Adam Wharton to leave this summer despite interest from Man City, sources have told Football Insider.
Enzo Maresca's need for a new midfielder was emphasised in their opening game of the Premier League season, after Marc Guehi was selected to start in the middle.
Guehi's former teammate has been high on Man City's list of targets, but having seen an enquiry rejected by Crystal Palace, the South London club are prepared to stand firm.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Crystal Palace view Wharton as a crucial part of their plans amid a summer of change at Selhurst Park.
Following the arrival of Pierre Sage as their new manager, the Eagles are keen to avoid further changes, and the new boss has already ruled out any more major sales.
Man City have been told a deal for Wharton may be more achievable next summer if they were to return, but they will be forced to look elsewhere in the meantime.
Could Man City agree a deal for Adam Wharton?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 20 August that Man City would have to part with a "massive" fee to tempt Palace into selling Wharton.
While they would be financially capable of tabling a significant fee, Sage's side have been clear that he is not for sale this summer, and Man City will be forced to look elsewhere.
Instead, Wharton is now likely to continue his development at Selhurst Park before being lined up for a big-money move to one of his big admirers next summer.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Look, they are rebuilding that midfield, City with Bernardo Silva leaving in summer, Rodri's gone, Tijjani Reijnders has gone as well.
"I'm sure Wharton has been on that list at Manchester City I'm not sure how necessarily high up on that list he is because they're also looking at other options in there.
"I don't think Crystal Palace will be open to letting Wharton this late in the window either, they're looking to keep him because they don't want to lose any more key players.
"After Maxence Lacroix moved to Chelsea and other key players have left Palace in the last 12 months, they won't want to lose another one now.
"Wharton's linked with a move every transfer window, but Palace do well to keep hold of him and don't want another summer of losing their top players, so they will do everything they can to try keep him.
"So it does look like City are maybe pursuing other midfielders right now ahead of Wharton."
Which other midfielders are on Man City's radar?
Crystal Palace's firm stance over Wharton's future will be a blow to Man City, but they have a number of targets on their radar and are now prepared to look elsewhere.
Following the sale of Rodri to Barcelona, they are aiming to add a direct replacement to their squad, and are now pushing forward in their pursuit of multiple candidates.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 21 August that Man City were closing in on an agreement with Lille to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has been among their top targets.
Since then, an agreement has been reached, and the Morocco international will now travel to the Etihad to undergo a medical and finalise his big-money move.
City have beaten a number of rivals to the Morocco international's signature following his breakout World Cup performances, and he is eyeing a big role in the side.