Liverpool are reportedly prepared to battle Real Madrid for Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace in the summer transfer window ahead of their title defence.
The Reds will take on Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday in their penultimate game of the 2024-25 Premier League season, though manager Arne Slot has the comfort of being able to rotate given his side have already been declared champions.
With the Merseysiders' season effectively finished, attention will soon turn to the transfer market and who the club might sign in order to aid their title defence.
Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong is set to become the team's first addition in the immediate future, with Liverpool planning for life without Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Daily Mail report that the Reds are also interested in securing the services of Wharton, who could cost in the region of £60m, though they may face competition from Real Madrid.
© Imago
Adam Wharton in profile
Wharton is at his best with the ball at his feet, and his ability play progressively forward at pace has benefitted the likes of Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Despite playing less than 1,500 minutes in the top flight this term, Marc Guehi (134) is the only Palace player to have attempted more progressive passes than Wharton (107).
The 20-year-old is able to withstand pressure when Palace build play, but he is also deceptively strong without the ball, and he would boost many teams in the Premier League.
© Imago
Why Liverpool need Wharton
Ryan Gravenberch has been utilised by Slot at the base of midfield this season, and the Dutchman has performed admirably in a relatively unfamiliar role.
However, with Alexander-Arnold set to leave Anfield at the end of the season, the Reds will need to find new ways of progressing the ball.
Gravenberch is an exceptional dribbler but he is not a specialist passer, so perhaps bringing Wharton could help to replace Alexander-Arnold's creativity.
Lewis Nolan
