Latest developments
- Manchester City are considering making a bid for Adam Wharton.
- Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of the Crystal Palace midfielder.
- Palace are determined to keep hold of the Englishman.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): City watching Wharton
Manchester City scouted Adam Wharton at Selhurst Park in Palace's 1-0 win over Ipswich Town over the weekend. City greatly appreciate Wharton's skill sets and are considering making a bid for him in the summer.
That is according to TBR Football, who add that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Aston Villa are also among the clubs monitoring his progress in South London.
Value (2.5/5): Palace refusing to set valuation
Palace, who signed the midfielder from Blackburn Rovers for a fee in the region of £20million only last year, remain adamant about keeping Wharton at Selhurst Park for many seasons and are refusing to set a valuation heading into the summer. This could make negotiations very tricky for City.
Suitability (4/5): Ideal for possession-based side
It's no secret that Guardiola's City like to dominate possession and their style of play should suit Wharton, who is very composed with the ball at his feet and is a volume passer. An ideal midfielder for the Spanish tactician.
Upgrade? (4/5): Fresh addition
Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes have struggled to deliver on a consistent basis and Ilkay Gundogan isn't getting any younger. As such, City could do with a fresh addition in the middle of the park and there aren't many better options than Wharton out there.
Logic (4/5): A match made in heaven
Wharton has attracted interest from a number of clubs but considering his style of play and Guardiola's record of building his system around technically proficient midfielders, the player could be tempted to turn down other opportunities in favour of a move to Manchester.
Whisper+ verdict: 17.5/25
City might find it easy to convince Wharton but agreeing a fee with the Eagles could prove to be a real headache for them.
