Liverpool have ‘lingering doubts’ over Adam Wharton, one thing about him is a big concern
Adam Wharton was handed his first start for England against Albania and is set to be the subject of whispers about his future at Crystal Palace.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 21-year-old’s performance for England is unlikely to have changed the narrative.
While the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid have been tracking Wharton, there is a belief that he needs to show more at the top level before making a big move.
Football Insider revealed in July that Palace are demanding £100million to sell Wharton, but it is currently unlikely that any of his suitors will meet that price tag.
This will likely come as a relief to Oliver Glasner and his team, but the interest in his signature remains strong, with scouts keeping tabs on his progress.
Adam Wharton update emerges after England performance
Brown told Football Insider on 14 November that Palace are bracing for offers for Wharton and increased attention following his involvement with England.
However, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that his performance against Albania won’t have eased concerns about his game.
“He did alright, Adam Wharton, it wasn’t a poor performance by any means,” he told Football Insider.
“My opinion of him has always been that he’s got a lot to prove, particularly at the top top level, and last night was an opportunity for him to do that.
“A lot of these interested clubs like Liverpool want to see a bit more from him in those types of games where his team are dominating the ball and the expectation is on them.
“I get the feeling he plays the game at one pace, which is okay, but he doesn’t really have that burst.
“If you look at elite players in his position, whether it’s Declan Rice, Rodri, even Elliot Anderson for England, they’re very energetic and cover ground with their running.
“Wharton hasn’t shown that, and he’s done very well at Blackburn and Crystal Palace, and he may well make that step up, so I wish him well.
“At the moment though, I think there are lingering doubts that haven’t gone away, and given the amount of money Palace will be asking for, I’m not sure clubs will take that risk.”
Crystal Palace’s stance on Wharton exit revealed
Football Insider revealed on 11 November that Crystal Palace will not sell Wharton in January, and instead plan to offer him a new contract at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles are believed to have opened negotiations over a new deal with the midfielder’s representatives in an effort to deter the growing interest in him.
There is a confidence that the midfielder is happy at Palace and could commit to a new deal before moving on at a later date, as seen with both Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.
Football Insider revealed on 18 August that Palace were confident of keeping Wharton and Mateta during the summer, and will remain confident in January.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are planning to back Glasner by strengthening his squad as they aim to compete across all four competitions this season.
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