Rumour Mongering: Wharton “Dream Midfield Acquisiton” for Liverpool

Liverpool FC reporter for the Daily Mail, Lewis Steele, had one of his Q&A columns recently, and the main topic on hand was the club’s interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton:

“I think the 22-year-old [Adam Wharton] is the dream midfield acquisition for Liverpool.”

“There is a widespread belief that Adam Wharton could be the next man to head for the exit door at Crystal Palace.”

“Liverpool would be keen on the England international, according to sources, if a deal could be done with an £80m fee floated by some, though they would face competition from many teams.”

Would they really, though? Manchester City seems to have cornered the market on the other in-demand English midfield, Nottingham Forest’s Eliott Anderson. Manchester United doesn’t seem to be a fit for Wharton, as a pairing of him and Kobbie Mainoo looks like a bad match. Chelsea will do whatever Chelsea does, but seem to have other priorities right now, and already have Mosies Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. Arsenal are also stacked in the midfield department.

Barring a quick sale of one of these players, then, Liverpool would seem to have a free run at Adam Wharton just by market dynamics and how squads in the Premier League have been constructed.

Wharton looks like he’d replace Mac Allister in the line-up, whose dip in form has greatly affected Liverpool’s build-up play and speed.

On Mac Allister’s future, Steele said: “No talks are underway to renew Alexis Mac Allister’s deal at Liverpool, but that does not expire until 2028. I would not be surprised if he leaves.”

Other tidbits Steel dropped in his column:

• Tottenham’s Archie Gray is one to watch is Spurs do get relegated
• LFC have a tentative interest in AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit
• Chiesa is “almost certain” to leave Liverpool this summer, with a homecoming likely. Atalanta, Roma, Milan and Juventus are all keeping tabs on the winger.
• James Trafford: “I haven’t heard anything about James Trafford, and surely Manchester City would not sell to Liverpool.”

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com