Everton desperate to sign Adam Wharton from Blackburn, ready to offer Goodison fringe players into deal
Everton are eager to sign Blackburn Rovers midfielder Adam Wharton amid interest from other Premier League clubs, according to Alan Nixon.
Posting on his Patreon (27 August), the journalist claimed that Brighton, Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester United have been monitoring Wharton, but the Toffees would face the most threat from Crystal Palace who are keen to find an agreement.
The Toffees have been unable to raise funds from player sales to make a move for the 19-year-old so would be willing to offer Blackburn fringe players to get a deal over the line.
Losing the race
While Everton seemingly scrambles to make a significant and worthwhile offer to Blackburn for Wharton, Palace appear to be edging into the lead to get a deal done for the youngster.
Blackburn themselves look open to discussions regarding a deal, with Nixon nothing that the Riversiders could agree to a sell and loan back agreement.
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However, amid Everton’s continuing struggles on the pitch, any investment they make before the end of the window will need to be seen this season.
Wharton himself is a very highly-regarded youngster in the Blackburn squad and has been a long-time target for Crystal Palace. He only broke into the first team at Ewood Park last season and made 18 appearances and scored twice, earning himself his first call-up to England youth international duties.
He has made an impression in a very short period of time. With 7.11 progressive passes per 90 (87th percentile) and 3.48 shot-creating actions per 90 (82nd percentile) [FBRef], the youngster is a reliable creative outlet that the Toffees could certainly use.
However, Crystal Palace themselves could do with a player like Wharton too. They have been relatively inactive this summer, with just free-agent Jefferson Lerma joining early in the window and Brazilian youngster Matheus França for £26million.
If Everton want their man, they will have to act quickly. From their opening games, relegation could be on the cards yet again this season, so solid reinforcements are needed.
In other Everton news, Mike Dean has reacted to an incident from the Toffees’ clash against
