Crystal Palace line-up potential Adam Wharton replacement
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from DaveOCKOP or go back to LFC Live.
Crystal Palace are looking to act proactively in the transfer market with Liverpool-linked Adam Wharton attracting plenty of attention. Image Credits: Imago ImagesCrystal Palace are preparing for life after Adam Wharton as a summer exit for the highly rated midfielder looks increasingly likely amid strong interest from Liverpool and Europe’s elite.Wharton has developed into one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League, becoming a key figure in Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace side and attracting serious attention ahead of the summer window.Liverpool have been linked for months and are now widely reported to be pushing hard, with talks and early negotiations suggested in various reports as Arne Slot looks to further refresh his midfield options.Interest is widespread, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid also tracking him.As exclusively revealed by DaveOCKOP, Adam Wharton is understood to favour a move to Liverpool over other interested clubs.This surge of attention, combined with Palace’s remarkable run to the Europa Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano later this month, has only amplified the sense that Wharton is destined for a big-money move once the season concludes.With that in mind, it looks like the South London side are making their moves in the transfer market early.
The Telegraph has reported that Palace are already lining up Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney as a potential replacement to anchor their midfield in the post-Wharton era.The 23‑year‑old has racked up 40 appearances across all competitions for Boro this season, chipping in with six goals and eight assists.Palace have monitored him closely over a long period, and he has now emerged as a primary summer target as the club looks to capitalise on its first-ever European final by strengthening key areas of the squad.Hackney’s value is expected to rise if Middlesbrough secure promotion via the play‑offs, but with just a year left on his deal at the Riverside, Palace sense there may be an opportunity to strike at a fee in the low‑to‑mid teens once the window opens.The Eagles know they are likely to face competition for the England youth international, yet view him as an ideal stylistic fit to step into Wharton’s role and ensure there is no midfield hangover if Liverpool – and Europe’s giants – come calling in earnest over the coming weeks. Adam Wharton Crystal Palace Hayden Hackney