Since signing for Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in January, Adam Wharton has emerged as one of the most talented holding midfielders in Europe.
It was reported in October that sporting director Txiki Begiristain admires Wharton, who would find it tough to reject the prospect of heading to Manchester City.
Another claim emerged in September that Manchester City are tracking Wharton with the view of targeting his signature in the summer of 2025.
Adam Wharton would be frustrated with how Palace’s season has panned out so far as they sit in 17th place in the Premier League table.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 14 |  West HamWest Ham | 13 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 17 | 24 | -7 | 15 |
| 15 |  EvertonEverton | 13 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 21 | -11 | 11 |
| 16 |  LeicesterLeicester | 13 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 16 | 27 | -11 | 10 |
| 17 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 13 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 11 | 18 | -7 | 9 |
| 18 |  WolvesWolves | 13 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 22 | 32 | -10 | 9 |
| 19 |  IpswichIpswich | 13 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 13 | 24 | -11 | 9 |
| 20 |  SouthamptonSouthampton | 13 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 10 | 25 | -15 | 5 |
Crystal Palace are level on points (nine) with both Wolves and Ipswich Town, who are languishing in 18th and 19th place respectively but only have a superior goal difference.
Joel Ward lauded Wharton as an “outstanding talent” and even compared him to Michael Carrick.
Man City transfer news: Crystal Palace unwilling to sell Wharton in January
This season, the Englishman has only started eight out of 13 games due to suffering a groin injury.
Much like Savinho (20) and Jeremy Doku (22), the 20-year-old would exactly be the kind of future star Pep Guardiola’s men like to sign.
The Daily Mail has reported that while Manchester City are one of the clubs “monitoring” Wharton’s future ahead of the January transfer window, Crystal Palace have no intention of selling him.
Oliver Glasner’s side intend to keep the youngster at Selhurst Park until at least the summer, where several interested clubs are interested to queue up to secure his services.
It has been claimed that only time will tell whether Crystal Palace’s stance is changed if Manchester City or other potential suitors in the Premier League pay over their asking price for Wharton.
With City yet to have identified a suitable in-house replacement for the injured Rodri, there remains a gaping hole in the middle of the park at the Etihad Stadium that teams have exploited in recent weeks.
Pep Guardiola admitted Rodri is “irreplaceable” and Manchester City are “less strong” in his absence.
Declan Rice called reported Man City target Wharton “top level”
Arsenal’s Declan Rice was full of praise for Wharton in June.
Rice said via Sky Sports Football: “There’s a difference between top-level players at 20 and you know players that are just on the cuff of stuff and he’s top level.”
“He’s really, really top level at 20 years old. He sees a pass early, left and right foot as I said. Like I said, it’s really impressive how he passes the ball, whether it’s only five or 10 yards, it’s just a crispness to it that’s really impressive.”
The fact that one of the best defensive midfielders in world football rates Wharton as highly as he does goes to show how naturally gifted he is.
Manchester City will be hoping to test Crystal Palace’s resolve in the winter transfer window in an effort to sign the highly-rated technician.
The prospect of Wharton working closely with Pep Guardiola is incredibly exciting as well.
But so far, it seems like Crystal Palace feel they cannot afford to let the England international leave in January.
