The latest Crystal Palace transfer exclusive reveals that the club are willing to go back in with a second offer for Blackburn Rovers midfielder Adam Wharton after their first was rejected.
Palace Eye Second Bid For Blackburn Youngster Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace are contemplating a follow-up offer for Adam Wharton after an £18million bid was knocked back. The Eagles were not expected to go big in this window as the plan was to hold back funds for a significant push to remodel the team in the summer.
Yet on Wednesday they made an approach for the midfielder, who has also been tracked by Tottenham coming into January. It is being confirmed that Palace have made their opening offer, but would have to return with an offer in advance of £20million to stand a chance of signing him before deadline day.
And while sources close to the club are playing down the chances of them doing so, they must consider the situation as there is a high chance another Premier League club makes a move by the time they get another shot at signing him in the summer.
Wharton, 19, has also been scouted by the likes of Newcastle and Everton, but Spurs were the club most regularly linked with him.
Blackburn have been desperate to hold on to him for the rest of this season but know the chances of doing so beyond that are almost impossible, such are his qualities.
Busy Summer Ahead For Eagles
Palace already have the likes of Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi as hot talents of their own that are being watched by bigger clubs. And it is thought their pursuit of Wharton is in line with proving they do still hold high ambition and intent in the game.
Fans protested with banners at the 5-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend as they feel the club have been standing still for too long. Manager Roy Hodgson will leave at the end of the season, and owner Steve Parish was expected to provide two loan players now so that the next manager could have more room for fresh signings to come in during the summer.
That seems to have been abandoned for now so that they could have a shot at signing England under-20 international Wharton and a final decision will need to be made quickly on whether they can afford to make an improved offer.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
