Spurs crank up pursuit of £100m-rated Adam Wharton as Liverpool circle

Tottenham are shifting through the gears in this window, and the next name on the dashboard is Adam Wharton. While whispers around Sandro Tonali refuse to die and conversations continue over Joao Palhinha, the word from Hotspur Way is clear: Wharton is the one they truly fancy. Liverpool are in the rear-view mirror, but Spurs have their indicator on.

De Zerbi’s rebuild picks up pace

After back-to-back bottom-half finishes, Roberto De Zerbi has been backed early. Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson are through the door, and the mandate is obvious — turn this squad into European contenders, sharpish. That means adding a midfielder who can take charge of matches rather than just survive them.

Why Wharton — and why now

The Crystal Palace and England man has become the Premier League’s most coveted midfield organiser for a reason. At 22, he already plays with the poise of a veteran: clean in possession, fearless under pressure, and able to stitch play together from deep. It’s little wonder Spurs have tracked him for at least a year and still see him as a priority, even with Palhinha talks bubbling away. With Yves Bissouma moving on, the need is obvious; Wharton would be a day-one upgrade in control and tempo.

Liverpool lurking, Scott on their shortlist

Liverpool aren’t just tyre-kicking. They want a conductor of their own and have narrowed the field to Wharton or Bournemouth’s Alex Scott — but it’ll be one or the other on Merseyside. That keeps Tottenham honest and ensures Palace’s phone won’t stop buzzing.

The money end of the deal

Here’s the rub: Palace have floated a £100m price, though suitors believe an agreement closer to £80m could be possible. Wharton still has three years on his deal, which props up Steve Parish’s leverage, but player ambition can shift the balance if the right project lands on his table. Remember, Eberechi Eze’s £67.5m switch to Arsenal set Palace’s sale record; Wharton would be a new high-water mark if this goes the distance.

Big-game pedigree, bigger upside

Premier League minutes banked, international exposure under his belt, and the temperament to shine on the biggest stages — that’s why the fee is north of eye-watering. Micah Richards called him exceptional last year and he hasn’t exactly quietened the hype since. For De Zerbi’s positional play, Wharton looks tailor-made: line-breaking passes, angles, balance — and the legs to press and recover.

What it means for Spurs’ summer

If Tottenham get this over the line, it’s a statement win in the market and a cornerstone for the midfield. Miss out, and they’ll pivot — Palhinha brings bite, Tonali offers pedigree if those talks ever truly ignite — but neither ticks as many long-term boxes as Wharton. Either way, expect Spurs to keep stacking young talent into 2025 as this overhaul continues.

Keeping tabs on the market? For a wider view of the odds and offers around this summer’s movers, our curated list of the best betting sites is a handy starting point for fans following every twist.