£70m England star moving closer to Liverpool transfer | OneFootball

Liverpool are getting a bit closer to signing a £70m England star. Can Richard Hughes get it over the line?

Liverpool appear to have a fantastic chance of signing Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace. Football Insider reports that the Eagles would sell for around £70m - though, that's thought to be on the low end.

But the important thing here is that Palace are open to a sale. Yes, it would be an expensive one but just the idea that Wharton has an asking price on him moves Liverpool closer to getting this one done.

And what a deal it could be. The Reds will look to reshape their midfield in the summer, even just slightly, and the new contract for Ryan Gravenberch is a part of that.

Liverpool need to know who's a guarantee moving forward - hence further talks with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. The club want to lock down players long term and then add to the group.

Wharton, with Premier League experience and homegrown status, will certainly be near the top of their shortlist. And Palace have the door at least partially open.

Adam Wharton: Situation Summary

Transfer Status and Valuation

Liverpool and Manchester United are the current frontrunners to sign the 22-year-old this summer. A "gentleman’s agreement" with Crystal Palace reportedly allows him to depart for a fee between £60m and £65m, though some valuations reach €95m. Wharton has prioritized joining a Champions League club, which may favor Liverpool given United's current league position. Real Madrid also views him as a "strategic" youth target to replace aging legends.

Performance and Selection

Wharton has recorded 5 assists in 26 Premier League appearances this season. He was rested for today's match against Leeds United as Oliver Glasner manages his squad ahead of Thursday’s Europa Conference League second leg. Widely regarded as the "English Sergio Busquets," Wharton is expected to be a lock for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the 2026 World Cup, competing with Elliot Anderson for a starting spot alongside Declan Rice.