Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton this summer.
The 20-year-old has quickly established himself as a first-team star for the Eagles since completing his £22.5m transfer from Blackburn Rovers in January.
Wharton spent just 18 months in the first team at Blackburn before moving to the Premier League with Palace, where he has started 14 of his 15 appearances in the top flight, registering three assists.
Operating as a deep-lying playmaker, Wharton has received penalty of plaudits for his performances at Palace since the turn of the year, including a man-of-the-match display in a memorable 1-0 victory at Liverpool last month.
Wharton has recently emerged as a dark horse to make Gareth Southgate's 26-man England squad for Euro 2024, and he is now being eyed up by one of Europe's biggest clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
© Reuters
Bayern eye big-money swoop for Wharton
According to The Sun, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are 'ready' to make a summer move for Wharton and are 'desperate' to lure him to the Allianz Arena after missing out on his signature in January.
The report claims that the Bavarians, as well as Chelsea, had previously worked on a deal to sign the youngster, but they were ultimately beaten by Palace who could offer immediate first-team football.
Wharton signed a long-term contract when he joined Palace that runs until June 2029 and the Eagles have no plans on parting ways with their star midfielder any time soon.
However, it is reported that an offer in the region of £60m from Bayern could tempt Palace this summer.
Bayern have also been linked with a potential move for Palace manager Oliver Glasner, but Sky Sports News claims that the 49-year-old will not hold talks with the German club and will remain at Selhurst Park.
© Reuters
Glasner full of praise for Wharton
Glasner was appointed Palace manager in mid-February, just under two months after Wharton moved to Selhurst Park, and the Austrian boss has been impressed by how quickly the youngster has settled into life in the top flight, suggesting that he could earn and England call-up this summer.
"Adam does really well, otherwise he wouldn't play almost every minute," Glasner told Palace's official website. "He starts every game because he always shows great performances and with his passing, with his solutions, with his hard work in central midfield together with Will Hughes - it's very important for us.
"[England manager] Gareth Southgate was at Selhurst watching the game against Man Utd, so he doesn't need any advice from me. He will nominate the best players for England.
"Adam does really well, and I and we all wish all the best to our players, so of course if he will be nominated [for England] it would be a fantastic achievement, but he's a young guy so he will have many international appearances, but it's Gareth Southgate's decision.
Wharton is not the only Palace star that has been linked with a summer exit, as attacking duo Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise have both attracted interest from a number of top clubs in the Premier League, the latter has most recently been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Oliver Thomas
