Real Madrid rule out move for emerging Premier League midfield star | OneFootball

Real Madrid are busy working on identifying the optimal target to reinforce the team’s midfield next summer. After all, the void in the department is now beginning to hit hard.

The departure of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos was always expected to be hard to compensate for, but at the halfway point in the new season, Real Madrid are already suffering with a lack of leadership in midfield.

The club’s idea, thus, is to sign a creative presence who can also offer defensive output and several names have been linked in recent times.

Premier League target ruled out

As relayed in a recent report by AS, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, has been ruled out as a target by the club despite extensive links in recent times.

Still just 21, Wharton is considered to be one of world football’s brightest young midfield talents and is already a regular for both club and country. Real Madrid’s interest in him, needless to say, was thus completely understandable.

Real Madrid will not move for Wharton. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

In recent days, however, it has become clear that Los Blancos have taken a step back in their pursuit, especially with word coming in that Manchester United are slowly moving into the driver’s seat.

The drop in interest for Wharton may well be linked to Real Madrid finding an alternative target in Kees Smit, one they rate highly and see as a superior midfield controller. His signing, however, will not be particularly easy either.

So far this season, Wharton has made 16 league starts for Crystal Palace and has created seven big chances with two assists to his name. He averages 1.4 key passes per game and over eight defensive actions in 90 minutes.

But, as things stand, Real Madrid are not planning to make a move for the England international.