€70m too much: Liverpool must let star join Real Madrid

Liverpool just shouldn’t get involved. One midfielder is going to cost €70m too much and Real Madrid can have him.

Liverpool need a new midfielder. There's little way around that after it became clear that Curtis Jones would be leaving the Reds this summer.

The Scouser has just one year remaining on his deal and Inter are eager to sign him. At this point, we think Jones might also be eager to leave.

Though, we maintain that Liverpool needed a new midfielder anyway. They badly lacked midfield control last season and finding someone who can be a bit more of a defensive shield while also controlling possession would be a dream come true.

Adam Wharton is one name mentioned as a possible arrival and he does do those two things. The question is whether he does them to the elite level as price is absolutely a factor here.

Defensa Central, reporting on Real Madrid's interest, suggest Wharton is being offered to clubs at €120m. It's a staggering amount and comes hot on the heels of Elliot Anderson's move to Manchester City for a little bit more than that.

Crystal Palace, it seems, are looking at the Anderson deal and setting their price accordingly. It's a price that's simply too high for what Wharton is, however.

The report also mentions interest from Liverpool - one of a group of big clubs considering a move. But at €120m? It's just not value for money, not when someone like Khephren Thuram is reportedly available for €50m (Tuttosport).

That's the kind of money we'd like to spend on Wharton - a player still relatively unproven at the elite level and who isn't quite the standout talent that Anderson is. But €70m more than that?

We're not sure about that one at all and if Real Madrid are willing to pay it, we say let them have him. Liverpool can find better value for money than Wharton if they look hard enough.

Now, whether they can find a homegrown talent for that money is another matter but perhaps Liverpool can meet that quota with signings elsewhere. It certainly feels like the smart move if this is the price for Wharton.