Tottenham make Adam Wharton priority target amid Liverpool interest

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton one of their priority targets for the summer transfer window as Roberto De Zerbi looks to strengthen his options in the middle of the pitch.

The England international has emerged as one of the Premier League's most highly-rated midfielders and is attracting growing interest following another impressive campaign at Selhurst Park.

While Tottenham are pushing hard to position themselves at the front of the queue, Liverpool remain a significant threat in the race for his signature.

According to reports, Spurs have been monitoring Wharton for well over a year and believe this summer could present their best opportunity to secure a deal.

The north London club are actively exploring midfield reinforcements and have considered several options, including Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali.

However, Wharton is understood to be the standout candidate.

His ability to control possession, dictate tempo and progress the ball through midfield has made him an ideal fit for the style of football De Zerbi is expected to implement at Tottenham.

Technical midfielders capable of operating under pressure have always played a central role in De Zerbi's tactical approach. Wharton appears perfectly suited to those demands.

Despite Tottenham's admiration, convincing Wharton to move to north London may prove difficult.

Liverpool are also firmly interested in the Crystal Palace star and can currently offer advantages Spurs cannot.

The Reds will provide Champions League football next season and are expected to compete for major honours under new manager Andoni Iraola.

Those factors could be decisive if Palace are eventually forced to choose between competing offers.

Wharton is believed to be highly regarded by Iraola, who is keen to reshape Liverpool's midfield with younger, technically gifted players capable of thriving in an intense pressing system.

As a result, Tottenham may find themselves in a direct battle with one of England's biggest clubs.

Palace have little desire to part ways with one of their most important players.

The Eagles secured Europa League qualification after their Conference League triumph and are determined to build on that success rather than weaken the squad.

Wharton remains central to those plans.

At just 22 years of age, he is already viewed as one of the club's leaders and has become an increasingly important figure both domestically and internationally.

That means Palace are unlikely to entertain offers unless they receive a proposal that reflects both his current ability and long-term potential.

Tottenham's pursuit is likely to depend on whether Crystal Palace become willing to negotiate later in the transfer window.

Liverpool's involvement means Spurs may need to act quickly if they are serious about landing the midfielder, while Palace will hope European football can help convince Wharton to stay.

For now, the England international remains one of the most intriguing names to watch during the summer market.

Would Adam Wharton be the perfect midfield signing to transform Tottenham under Roberto De Zerbi?