Liverpool plot FORMAL offer for £60m England midfielder

Liverpool are preparing to attack the upcoming summer transfer window with a bigger budget than they’ve ever had before.

Following a Premier League title-winning season, sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot are not standing still.

READ MORE: Reds open talks for in demand Premier League striker

Having only added Federico Chiesa to the squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign - and declining the opportunity to strengthen in January - there are several areas of the Liverpool squad now in need of upgrades.

We will see Jeremie Frimpong arrive as a potential Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement, while a new left-back is expected too. And up front, a new No9 should be brought to the club as buyers are sought for Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.

READ MORE: Liverpool must sell star this summer to avoid EMBARRASSING €100m loss

Fans are also very excited about the prospect of £125m-rated attacker Florian Wirtz being brought to the club. But that doesn’t mean midfield will be neglected.

Liverpool admire Adam Wharton

The Reds have been linked with central midfield players like Angelo Stiller and Nicolo Rovella ahead of the summer and one other potential solution could lie in the Premier League.

That’s because Hughes and Co. are now reported to be considering a bid for the highly-rated Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace. The 21-year-old England international has impressed again this season for the Eagles, although injury has restricted his impact.

Wharton has played 20 times in the top flight - starting 16 matches - and is renowned for his tempo-setting and creativity from the middle of the pitch.

He could provide cover and competition for Ryan Gravenberch at the base of midfield but could also be used further up alongside Alexis Mac Allister.

Under contract until 2029, Wharton is in demand this summer with Palace reportedly placing a £60m price tag on his signature.

"Formal offer" incoming for Wharton

That is a high price to pay for a player of limited experience but the Reds could opt to add Ben Doak to the mix in order to reduce the initial outlay.

Palace’s asking price would represent a hefty profit on a player they signed in winter 2024 from hometown club Blackburn Rovers.

His stay in South London isn’t going to be a long one, with Liverpool now among the clubs ready to bid.

“The Premier League champions are contemplating a formal offer for the Crystal Palace midfielder,” a report in TEAMtalk reads.

“Liverpool view Wharton as a long-term investment to complement their current squad.

“Liverpool see the Palace ace as an ideal partner for the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, offering both defensive solidity and progressive passing.”

READ MORE: Who is next in line for a MEGA money contract at Anfield?

One-cap Wharton has also been in very good form for Palace during their run to the FA Cup final, with Liverpool fans purring over his performance in the semi-final versus Aston Villa.