Overview
- Sources close to Liverpool told This Is Anfield that Wharton is admired but not an active target and that no talks are underway.
- Separate reporting had claimed Liverpool opened discussions with Crystal Palace, underscoring conflicting accounts over any pursuit.
- Football Insider reports Palace do not intend to sell in January and have begun work on a new long-term contract for the midfielder.
- Any transfer is complicated by a price widely cited at £80–100 million and a reported 15% sell‑on clause on profit owed to Blackburn.
- Following his first England start, Roy Keane urged Wharton to be more demanding on the ball and ex-scout Mick Brown highlighted doubts over his burst and readiness for the very top level.