Chelsea enter Adam Wharton race as Blues consider making late window move for Crystal Palace midfielder

TalkSport's Alex Crook reports the Blues have added Wharton to a long-term list of targets, making a last-minute deal before the window slams shut on September 1 unlikely. The 23-year-old midfielder is believed to have committed to another season in south London.

Earlier this summer, reports suggested Liverpool were the favourites to secure the England international's signature. The Reds will likely formalise their long-term interest by lodging a bid for Wharton in the summer of 2026. In recent weeks, the Spanish media have talked up the prospect of a switch to Real Madrid.

Wharton's value could be on the rise as he was called up for Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. In his 18 months at Selhurst Park, he has become a key part of Oliver Glasner's FA Cup winning side.

Wharton's immediate future almost certainly lies at Selhurst Park, with any move for his services in the dwindling window likely to be rebuffed by a Palace side that has already lost its talisman in Eberechi Eze. After Palace's away day at Aston Villa on Sunday, he will join up with the senior England side for the first time since Euro 2024.