Manchester City and Arsenal are reportedly among the clubs who have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.
The 20-year-old joined the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers in January last year for an initial £18m, which could rise to £22m, and put pen to paper on a long-term contract until 2029.
Wharton quickly cemented his place in Palace's starting lineup during the second half of last season and he played an important role in helping Oliver Glasner's side both avoid a relegation dogfight and secure a top-10 finish.
The youngster's impressive impact was rewarded with an England call-up for Euro 2024, although he did not make a single appearance at last summer's tournament, and he has since experienced a difficult start to the new season at club level.
Indeed, Wharton has made eight Premier League appearances for a Palace side that is hovering just above the relegation zone, and he is currently on the road to recovery after undergoing groin surgery at the start of last month.
![England Euro 2024 squad File photo dated 26-03-2024 of Adam Wharton[IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/26/adam-wharton.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "England Euro 2024 squad File photo dated 26-03-2024 of Adam Wharton[IMAGO]")
© Imago
Palace keen to keep hold of in-demand Wharton in January
Despite that, the rise of Wharton over the last 12 months or so is understood to have caught the eye of several top Premier League clubs including Man City, who have allegedly identified the midfielder as a January target.
Pep Guardiola's side, who are expected to move for a new midfielder in January, are said to be monitoring Wharton's situation closely as they weigh up making an official approach for the youngster when the winter window opens.
Premier League rivals Arsenal, meanwhile, have allegedly held talks over the possibility of signing Wharton, who is also on the radar of leaders Liverpool.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Crystal Palace have no intention of selling Wharton in January and are determined to keep hold of the midfielder until at least the summer.
© Imago
Will top PL clubs test Palace's resolve with January Wharton offer?
The report adds that it remains to be seen whether an offer way over Palace's current valuation of Wharton would change their stance, but they intent to keep hold of all their best players as Glasner bids to steer the club away from the relegation picture.
With over four years still remaining on Wharton's contract, Palace will allegedly demand a fee of at least €65m (£54m) for the midfielder, and it remains to be seen whether this is a figure that clubs including Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool are prepared to pay.
The Eagles are planning to be active in January, with a left-sided defender and attacking midfielder at the top of their wishlist, and the sale of any players midway through the season would help generate funds for their top targets, but Wharton is not one of those that they intend to part ways with.
If Wharton were to stay at Selhurst Park in January, it is claimed that Palace would still have a fight on their hands to keep their No.20 ahead of next season amid growing interest in his services.
Oliver Thomas
