Latest developments
- Manchester City are closely tracking Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.
- The Eagles say they have no intention of selling the midfielder.
- Wharton has also been linked with Arsenal in recent days.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Credible given City's situation
Man City are keeping close tabs on England international Wharton, adding the Crystal Palace man to their lists of potential Rodri replacements as they seek reinforcements in midfield.
That is according to the Daily Mail, which is not always the best source of transfer news, but with Wharton so highly rated in a position City need covering, it is a fairly believable story.
Value (2.5/5): City will have to dig deep
Palace have a very tough job on their hands this January, trying to keep hold of their best players as the vultures circle Oliver Glasner's strugglers, and understandably, they do not want to sell Wharton at any price.
Valued at a shade under £25 million by Transfermarkt, City will probably have to offer around three times that to even get the Eagles' attention, a high price given Rodri has ambitions of returning this season.
Suitability (3.5/5): Extra pressure on young shoulders
It is easy to forget that Wharton has yet to complete a year of top-flight football, and though he was called up to England's UEFA Euro 2024 squad, he is still relatively inexperienced.
There will be a tonne of pressure on the 20-year-old's shoulders, but if he can handle the current atmosphere at the Etihad, then his combative style will work in the spine of Pep Guardiola's formation.
Upgrade? (2/5): Not quite a Ballon d'Or winner
With Rodri out, Wharton can certainly expect to start for City, especially given that many other midfielders look a shadow of their former selves.
But clearly, the Ballon d'Or winner is the better player when fit, and City risk paying a fortune for a player who could become a benchwarmer next season.
Logic (2/5): Better options elsewhere
City have been looking at the likes of Douglas Luiz and Joshua Kimmich to make up for Rodri's absence, and they are likely to be much cheaper, even if Wharton still has his best years ahead of him.
Wharton looks capable of stepping up to title-contending level, but a move in the summer looks more suitable for now. Palace have him under contract until 2029 and are in no rush to sell, either.
Whisper+ verdict: 13/25
Wharton will not want to make fighting relegation a habit, but that doesn't mean jumping straight to the toxic situation at City is a good idea, though the Arsenal link might be worth pursuing. Meanwhile, City might want to just accept he isn't for sale and look elsewhere.
