Real Madrid have made the signing of a new midfielder an absolute priority for the summer transfer window.
Names such as Vitinha of PSG and Rodri of Manchester City have been highlighted as potential targets for the Spanish capital club.
Meanwhile, younger talents such as Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton are also on the radars of the Merengues.
Now, according to reports in England, as relayed by AS, Adam Wharton is looking to leave Crystal Palace next summer.
The England midfielder wants to take the next step in his career and will seek a Champions League club that allows him to continue developing as a player.
This will come as a boost for Real Madrid who are in search of midfield reinforcements. This potential move for a new midfielder would be entirely independent from that of Nico Paz, who, barring an unexpected turn of events, is set to return to the club.
At present, Real Madrid do not have a single defined target, but Wharton is on the list. The midfielder’s clear intention to leave Crystal Palace could facilitate the operation, although the Premier League side are expected to demand around €100 million for his transfer.
Real Madrid view Wharton’s desire to leave as an encouraging development, as he is considered one of the best midfielders currently available on the market. His insistence on departing could reduce the cost and make the deal easier to complete.
However, Wharton has a long list of suitors apart from Real Madrid. One of the clubs most interested in the player are Manchester United.
The Premier League giants, who could return to the Champions League after Michael Carrick has steadied the team’s course, will be among those bidding most strongly for the midfielder, as he is seen as an ideal replacement for the imminent departure of Casemiro.
Other clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City are also monitoring the Crystal Palace star very closely.