Liverpool transfer news: Reds 'join the race' for £60m England international

Liverpool have reportedly 'joined the race' to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, but they face competition from other Premier League rivals. 

The Reds were close to signing Palace centre-back Marc Guehi this summer and had even agreed a deal with the player and the club; however, the Eagles pulled the plug in the final hours of the transfer window. 

It has been widely suggested that the Reds would make another attempt to sign the England defender in the January window, but at the same time, they are not taking their eyes off Wharton. 

The 21-year-old has been nothing short of exceptional since his £18m move from Blackburn Rovers, and his meteoric rise has caught the attention of several heavyweight Premier League clubs. 

Four clubs are 'interested' in Wharton 

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According to a report from TEAMTalk, Chelsea and Manchester United have been long-time admirers of Wharton, with the Red Devils tracking him for months. 

Liverpool and Newcastle United have joined the race, intensifying the competition for the young England midfielder. 

The Eagles have already rejected an advance from United, as they are holding firm on their £60m valuation. 

Liverpool must bid for both Guehi and Wharton 

© Imago

The Reds must do everything to bid again for Guehi in the January window, especially with Ibrahima Konate's long-term future in doubt. 

Wharton is a stylish holding midfielder known for his composure, vision and ability to play delicate defence-splitting passes. 

In Arne Slot's system, he can easily play in midfield three alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, which will obviously make the manager's job of selecting his side a bit harder. 

With Wataru Endo unlikely to be around with the squad next season, the former Rovers midfielder can easily add significant depth and quality to the side. 

While a switch to Chelsea, Newcastle or even Man Utd could be equally tempting, Wharton may find it hard to ignore a move to Anfield, especially if Guehi makes the same transfer.