Crystal Palace have entered the race to sign the “permanent” midfielder, but will face competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
Palace are on the lookout for a new midfielder with Wharton attracting attention
Ahead of the Europa Conference League Round of 16 first leg against AEK Larnaca, Oliver Glasner made it clear how happy he is with Adam Wharton’s performance this season, saying: “Adam leads the team in assists, so I think it’s a big step for him. It’s his first regular season in the Premier League. He has five assists in the Premier League, I think seven in all competitions.
“And I think that’s what he said: he was always used to playing as a number 6 and he was always great at putting the game in the final third with his quality of passing. I think his next step also shows this quality of passing in the final third.
“I think his first step is like this, and to have seven assists is very good in this area. The second is to get into positions where you can score, and have this.”
However, with the England midfielder improving his game, it could be difficult to retain his services beyond the summer, with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool among potential suitors.
Qualifying for the Europa League could go a long way in convincing Wharton to stay, but there is plenty of work to be done in Cyprus this evening, as the Eagles were held to a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park in the first leg.
Since then, Steve Parish & co have started managing new midfielders, and are looking forward to targeting…
The “Relentless” star is now on the Palace shortlist
According to a report from Sports Boom, Crystal Palace are now in the race for Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella, but there may be fierce competition for his signature, as Newcastle have identified the Italian as a replacement for Sandro Tonali.
Barella, who is ‘at his best’, is still a key player for Inter, meaning it could take an offer of around £40m to lure him away from the Serie A heavyweights.
Indeed, the 68-capped Italian has been a key player for Inter this season, having played 26 games in Serie A, scoring one goal and providing seven assists.
The £200k-a-week maestro also has plenty of experience at the highest level, making 57 Champions League appearances, and was praised for his “relentless” performance against Barcelona in the 2024-25 semi-final by commentator Adam Summerton.
Barella has created 58 chances in Serie A this season, the second-highest number at the club, and would be a statement signing for Palace, but it would be difficult to convince him to leave Inter, who have reached two Champions League finals in recent memory.
Crystal Palace now lead Brighton in the race to sign the Championship star with 16 G/A this season
The Eagles are in a good spot.
