Michael Edwards enters talk to sign £80m star

Liverpool are now ready to enter talks with an £80m star according to the latest report.

Midfield reinforcements during the upcoming transfer window will be the utmost priority for Richard Hughes. This is an area where Liverpool have long needed new additions.

Anfield Watch understands the club has already drawn up an ambitious shortlist of potential midfield targets, with several names currently being assessed by the recruitment department.

Midfield has become a particularly important area due to the uncertainty surrounding several key players.

Contract talks with Alexis Mac Allister have reportedly reached a standstill, raising doubts over his long-term future at Anfield. At the same time, Curtis Jones is entering the final year of his current contract, creating another unresolved situation Liverpool must address.

Those concerns have increased the likelihood of significant changes in midfield before next season begins. Liverpool are therefore expected to target at least two new midfielders this summer, although that number could rise further should both players eventually depart.

Strengthening the midfield is viewed internally as a crucial step in maintaining competitiveness, improving squad depth, and ensuring long-term stability as Liverpool continue reshaping the squad under Arne Slot’s leadership.

But just who could these midfielders be?

There's already a developing shortlist which includes Mamadou Sangare, Lamine Camara, Caleb Yirenkyi, Mateus Fernandes, Ayyoubb Bouaddi, Kees Smit and several others players.

The key for Liverpool's recruitment team will be to find the right balance and blend between experience and youth - in line with the club's current transfer policy.

At the top of the shortlist and Liverpool's priority midfield target is Adam Wharton.

It's understood Crystal Palace will want £80m for the England international but even that hefty price tag has not deterred Liverpool from making a view.

The club officials view Wharton as the perfect option to help Arne Slot's side evolve.

After losing Trent Alexander-Arnold last summer, Liverpool recognise they have struggled both in their build-up and creativity from open play.

When it comes to distribution and helping to progress the ball from deep, while also creating chances - the closest thing to Trent in the Premier League right now is Wharton.

At 22-years-old Wharton is regarded as the future of English football and joining Liverpool seems like the perfect next step in his career as he looks to establish his status as an elite midfielder.

Liverpool will have a lot of moves to make in the summer, so it looks like Michael Edwards and co. are now trying to wrap up a move for Wharton as quickly as possible.

Nicolo Schira reports that Liverpool are now ready to enter talks with Crystal Palace in order to agree a deal for Wharton.

This aligns with what Liverpool tried to do last summer. They made moves to sign Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez very early on in the window.

It looks like the plan is for Wharton to be a similar early arrival through the doors of the AXA training centre - potentially before the World Cup even commences.

Liverpool will have to pay a hefty fee to land him, but it might just be worth it.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 A new centre-back is COMING to Liverpool

👉🏻 Liverpool finally replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with brilliant playmaker

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool