Liverpool want to agree deal for versatile England midfielder

Liverpool declined the opportunity to add an extra midfielder to their first-team squad last summer.

Although Florian Wirtz came on board from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee that could reach £116m, the German is seen more as an attacker rather than a midfield option.

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It means the Premier League title-winning quintet Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo remain in place.

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In actual fact, Liverpool’s numbers in the position have actually declined - given that Tyler Morton and Harvey Elliott have left on permanent deals.

Liverpool in hunt for Adam Wharton

It’s left many wondering what Liverpool’s long-term plans in midfield might be.

We’ve seen interest come and go with players like Mikel Jauregizar, Samuele Ricci and Nico Gonzalez - and genuine midfield links are relatively thin on the ground.

One player usually mentioned in the shakeup is England star Adam Wharton. The Crystal Palace midfielder, 21, has been a revelation since swapping Blackburn Rovers for Selhurst Park in February 2024.

Wharton came on board for around £18m - establishing himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League and also making it to Euro 2024 with the Three Lions.

Reports linking him to bigger clubs are inevitable given his rapid rise - and now it’s emerged that Wharton is being eyed by a January transfer.

That’s according to a new report from TEAMtalk which claims Liverpool are among the teams considering a swoop.

A valuation of £60m has been mooted for the Eagles’ schemer - with Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea the other teams reported to be in the race.

Competition 'intensifying' for Wharton

“Crystal Palace midfield star Adam Wharton remains one of the Premier League’s most sought-after talents, with Newcastle United and Liverpool now entering the race to secure his signature,” the report reads.

“The 21-year-old has also caught the attention of Chelsea, intensifying competition for the young England international.

“Manchester United, long-term admirers of Wharton, now face a fierce battle to land the midfielder in the January transfer window.”

Changes coming in Liverpool midfield?

Liverpool’s midfield appears a little more unsettled for the season ahead. We can assume Gravenberch will command the No6 position but as last season proved he will need a reliable deputy.

Mac Allister will be under increased competition from Szoboszlai meanwhile - as a consequence of Wirtz being fielded further forward.

There will be changes coming down the line for Liverpool’s midfield - an area of the squad which last had a major refit in 2023.

“Liverpool, under Arne Slot, are also keen to strengthen their engine room, with Wharton’s versatility making him a prime target to compete with their current crop of midfielders,” the report concludes.

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