Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has reportedly given his seal of approval for the club to pursue Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton this summer.
The 22-year-old England international has emerged as a primary target for the Reds as they look to strengthen their midfield options at Anfield.
Crystal Palace have placed a price tag of around £78m on Wharton, reflecting his growing status as one of the most sought-after midfielders in English football.
Liverpool face stiff competition for his signature, with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid all reportedly interested in securing the defensive midfielder’s services.
Wharton has impressed significantly since joining Crystal Palace for £18m from Blackburn in February 2024, establishing himself as a key figure at Selhurst Park.
His ability to break up play, coupled with his outstanding passing range, has attracted attention from multiple top clubs across several transfer windows.
The Daily Mirror reports that Iraola has given the green light for a raid on Palace, with Wharton earmarked as his new defensive midfield pivot for the coming season.
Signing Wharton would allow Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai to operate in more advanced roles, giving Iraola greater tactical flexibility in the engine room.
Curtis Jones is set to become the fifth player to depart Anfield in some capacity this summer, leaving the squad a little short on midfield numbers heading into the new campaign.
Liverpool’s remaining midfield options are expected to include Alexis Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and young prospect Trey Nyoni, making the addition of Wharton a significant priority.
Crystal Palace have a well-established reputation for driving hard bargains over their top talents, as demonstrated through prolonged negotiations involving players like Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.
Iraola will be hoping Liverpool can move swiftly to fend off their rivals and secure Wharton’s signature before the transfer window intensifies further in the weeks ahead.