Liverpool are monitoring Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as they look for potential alternatives to Martin Zubimendi, according to reports.
The Reds brought in Federico Chiesa from Juventus as their only summer signing this season, while a deal for Giorgio Mamardashvili was completed before he was sent back to Valencia on a one-year loan.
Liverpool were also keen to bring in a new central midfielder, with the Reds seemingly close to signing Zubimendi from Real Sociedad before the Spain international decided he wanted to stay in Spain.
And Liverpool are likely to still be on the lookout for a new midfielder in the upcoming transfer window, with the Daily Mail claiming the Reds are “preliminarily interested” in Wharton from Crystal Palace ahead of next summer.
Of Wharton, The Daily Mail claim: “Similarly, there has been tentative interest in Wharton, but mainly with a possible move in mind next summer. Liverpool and City are among the clubs now monitoring the midfielder’s progress.”
Liverpool were among a number of clubs linked with Crystal Palace defender Marco Guehi in the summer transfer window, with Newcastle United the most interested.
Palace are said to have demanded £70m for Guehi after the Magpies reportedly offered £60m, but Eddie Howe’s side failed to seal a deal before the deadline, much to the Newcastle boss’ disappointment.
Manchester City are also interested in Guehi and one Premier League sporting director believes Crystal Palace could only accept £30m over the next 12 months.
A report in The Daily Mail added:
“At a cut price, many of the Premier League’s top clubs will see Guehi as a golden opportunity.
“Manchester City, for example, have already checked how Guehi’s future could develop.
“Ultimately, the centre-back’s desire to play in the Champions League will prove to be the deciding factor in how Guehi assesses his future. He will also be playing for a team where he is a regular.
“If offered the chance to join a club that offers him the opportunity to fulfill those ambitions, it may be too difficult to say no, no matter how attractive and lucrative a free transfer may seem.”
“The price at which Palace would be willing to sell Guehi will also be key. A deal of around £50m would be optimal for Palace next summer.