Crystal Palace have entered the race to sign a “relentless” midfielder, but there is set to be competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
Palace eyeing new midfielder with Wharton attracting attention
Ahead of the first leg of the Europa Conference League round of 16 tie against AEK Larnaca, Oliver Glasner made it clear how pleased he’s been with Adam Wharton’s performances this season, saying: “Adam is leading the team for assists, so I think it’s a massive step for him. It’s his first regular Premier League season. He has five assists in the Premier League, I think seven in all competitions.
“And I think it’s what he said: he was always used to playing like a No. 6 and he was always great in getting the game into the final third with his passing quality. I think his next step is also showing this passing quality in the final third.
“I think his first step was like this, and having seven assists is great from this position. And the second is getting into positions where you can score, and he’s had this.”
However, with the English midfielder making improvements to his game, it could be difficult to retain his services beyond the summer, with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool among the potential suitors.
Qualifying for the Europa League may go some way towards convincing Wharton to stay, but there is plenty of work to do in Cyprus this evening, given that the Eagles drew 0-0 at Selhurst Park in the first leg.
Since then, Steve Parish & co have started running the rule over new midfielders, and they have set their sights on an ambitious target…
“Relentless” star now on Palace’s shortlist
According to a report from Sports Boom, Crystal Palace have now soared into the race for Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, as Newcastle have identified the Italian as a replacement for Sandro Tonali.
Barella, who is ‘firmly in his prime’, remains an important player for Inter, which means it could take an offer of around £40m to prise him away from the Serie A heavyweights.
Indeed, the 68-cap Italy international has remained a key player for Inter this season, making 26 appearances in the Serie A, during which time he’s chipped in with one goal and seven assists.
The £200k-a-week maestro also has plenty of experience at the highest level, making 57 Champions League appearances, and he was lauded for a “relentless” performance against Barcelona in the 2024-25 semi-final by commentator Adam Summerton.
Barella has created 58 chances in the Serie A this season, the second-highest number in the squad, and he could be a statement signing for Palace, but it could be difficult to convince him to leave Inter, who have reached two Champions League finals in recent memory.
Crystal Palace now leading Brighton in race to sign Championship star with 16 G/A this season
The Eagles are in pole position.