We’re into the last week of the January window, and the latest rumour around Liverpool concerns Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.
Time is running out for teams to get their ducks in a row heading into the business end of the season.
Wharton has been linked with Liverpool time and again since breaking out at Selhurst Park, and there are plenty of reasons why. He has world-class potential and offers a skillset not many midfielders can match.
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In recent days, the links have intensified, with reports claiming that Liverpool are confident in luring Wharton to Anfield. Those claims have been rebutted in short order.
Paul Gorst says Liverpool have dismissed Adam Wharton interest
It comes as somewhat of a surprise to hear that Liverpool aren’t actively pursuing the Englishman.
He is a player who could make any team better, and he offers a different profile to that of Liverpool’s current defensive midfielder, Ryan Gravenberch.
Paul Gorst clarified things writing for Liverpool Echo, where he explained that suggestions of an agreement with Wharton are well wide of the mark.
Furthermore, he says Wharton is not a transfer target for the Reds, who are content with the options they currently have in midfield.
The 21-year-old is a top talent, but shifting focus elsewhere might be the best move.
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It’s a bit jarring to see Liverpool struggling this much, with no apparent effort from FSG to strengthen right now.
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But in this particular case, they might be right.
It’s thought that Wharton would command a fee of £80 million to leave Palace, and that money would be better spent on addressing more pressing issues in the squad.
It’s not that Liverpool’s midfield unit is infallible — form has been questionable for large parts of the season — but it is probably the area in which the Reds are best stocked, both in terms of quality and quantity.
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Wharton would be an exciting signing, and a defensive-minded midfielder should be on their list. In the short-term though, centre-backs, a left-back and a winger would be a better use of funds.
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