Liverpool now look unlikely to move for Adam Wharton this summer despite the Crystal Palace man previously being described as a ‘dream’ target.
The Reds are on the hunt for a new midfielder, and Wharton had quickly emerged as the most likely candidate in the run-up to the summer transfer window.
However, journalist Ben Jacobs has declared that it would now be a ‘surprise’ if the England midfielder ends up at Anfield, and the sudden availability of Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall could perhaps be the reason for it.
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Wharton to Liverpool looks to be off
There had been some reservations about Wharton joining Liverpool, especially given the likely £80m+ transfer fee.
Those doubts were amplified following the Reds’ appointment of Andoni Iraola, with Wharton looking much more suited to playing an Arne Slot style of football.
And speaking to TalkSPORT on Monday morning, Jacobs said that things had ground to a halt regarding Liverpool signing the former Blackburn Rovers star.
“As far as Adam Wharton is concerned, a lot of links with Liverpool and there is some appreciation there. But it’s not moving, I’m told, as it stands” he reported.
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“It would be a surprise at this stage if Liverpool enter the race for Adam Wharton. You can never say never in a window where Liverpool are going to be looking for a midfielder, but at this stage nothing is now moving between Liverpool and Adam Wharton, but there are other clubs that are interested.
“Chelsea have looked in the past and in addition Arsenal appreciate the player along with several other midfield options.”
Bergvall looks a better fit for Liverpool
There will be a segment of Liverpool supporters who will be pleased to see that Wharton is unlikely to be joining this summer.
He would have been hugely expensive, and in a window where the Reds look set to spend around £100m on Yan Diomande, and there is more to do besides, it perhaps would not have been the best strategy to spend the best part of £100m on Wharton as well.
Instead, journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Bergvall could be available for £45-50m after telling Tottenham that he wants to leave.
Midfield should be a priority for Liverpool, but it is also true that they already have top players there who could improve under Iraola. They do not need to be spending masses this summer.
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After rejecting a bid from Inter Milan on Sunday, it has also been reported that Liverpool think Curtis Jones will stay at the club. If that is the case, a player like Wharton just isn’t needed.
Adding some extra legs is potentially a good idea, though, and that is where Bergvall can come in. Though not a regular starter in a poor Spurs side, the 20-year-old is still so young and has the tools to be a good fit in an Iraola midfield.
He is definitely available, and will be attainable for a much more attractive fee than Wharton.
The Palace midfielder is clearly a top player, but stylistically and price-wise as well, Bergvall might just be a better fit.
Liverpool could promote Nyoni and Bajcetic
Supporters will now be looking at alternatives to Wharton, Bergvall clearly being one of them, but it is also true that Iraola may simply look to bolster his midfield from within this summer.
Trey Nyoni looks ready for more minutes, and there is some comparison to be had between the 18-year-old and Wharton.
The same could also potentially be said about Stefan Bajcetic, who is finally back to full fitness after a nightmare season spent out injured.
Both Nyoni and Bajcetic stepping up – or at least being given the chance to – could also account for the trail unexpectedly going cold on Wharton.
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