Stefan Borson: This is how much Man United and Liverpool will have to pay for Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton has received interest from a host of top clubs in recent weeks.
Football Insider revealed on 21 September Crystal Palace will not sell Wharton in January as they look to keep hold of one of their prize assets.
Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid are believed to be keeping a close eye on the England international’s progress with Oliver Glasner’s side.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 10 October Wharton is “happy” at Crystal Palace amid links to Liverpool.
Crystal Palace to match Brighton’s transfer stance
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Crystal Palace will be able to command a fee in the region of £100million for Wharton.
It comes after Brighton slapped a £100m price tag on Carlos Baleba following interest from Man United in the summer transfer window.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I think the market has been set really from when Chelsea bought Caicedo and Fernandez, and Rice went for around £110m.
“I mean, these players are top midfield players. Now it’s £100m, and it’ll be the same with Baleba from Brighton.
“The idea that United could have got him for sort of £60m didn’t ever seem right to me. I think when they investigated properly, it became clear it was going to be close to £100m. I think Wharton is a £100m midfield player in this market at his age.”
Rio Ferdinand has urged Man United to sign Wharton, but the 21-year-old looks set to remain at Selhurst Park for the time being.
Crystal Palace in ‘strong’ position after Adam Wharton latest
Wharton, who joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers for £18m in February 2024, has started in all 10 of his appearances for Glasner’s side this season.
“Crystal Palace are a team that’s obviously in the zone, and they’re negotiating from a strong position,” said Borson.
“Assuming he doesn’t have a release clause, whether it’s Real Madrid, Liverpool, City, United, whoever is interested in Wharton, all you need is a couple of the biggest teams to make a market and you’re going to be close to £100m if they want him.
“Crystal Palace have shown in the past that they won’t sell for values lower than they want. He’s a young player. He doesn’t have a contractual issue that we know about, so I think it feels like £100m.”
Crystal Palace currently sit sixth in the Premier League table after picking up 12 points from their opening seven games of the season.
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