Liverpool appear to be making early moves in what could become one of the biggest midfield transfer stories of the summer, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton emerging as a top target.According to talkSPORT, the Reds are currently leading the race to sign the highly rated England international, but competition from Manchester United and Real Madrid ensures that nothing will come easy.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYWharton’s rapid rise since joining Crystal Palace has turned him into one of the most exciting young midfielders in English football.With his contract running until June 2029, Palace remain in a strong position and are reportedly demanding at least £80 million to even consider selling their prized asset.That valuation shows both his current performances and his long-term potential, making him one of the most valuable young midfielders on the market.Adam Wharton’s rise at Crystal Palace has been impressiveWharton’s development over the past year has been nothing short of impressive.His composure on the ball, vision, and ability to dictate tempo have drawn comparisons to some of England’s finest deep-lying midfielders.Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustHe doesn’t just pass the ball, he controls the rhythm of the game, often positioning himself perfectly to receive possession and distribute it efficiently.His passing range allows him to switch play quickly, while his defensive awareness ensures he contributes when the team is out of possession.More Stories / Latest NewsJust In: Liverpool move ahead of Man United and Real Madrid in race for £80m midfielderApr 21 2026, 7:52End of an era: Man City star to leave this summer alongside Bernardo SilvaApr 21 2026, 7:04Contact made: Chelsea take first step towards signing 24-year-old attacking sensationApr 21 2026, 6:38Liverpool among clubs interested in the midfielderLiverpool’s interest makes plenty of sense when viewed through the lens of their ongoing midfield evolution.Over the past few seasons, the club has refreshed large parts of its midfield, bringing in younger players to build a more dynamic and sustainable squad.Wharton fits that profile perfectly, young, technically gifted, and already experienced in the Premier League.However, Liverpool are not alone in their admiration. Manchester United are also believed to be monitoring Wharton as part of their long-term midfield rebuild.With the club looking to inject creativity and stability into the center of the pitch, Wharton’s skill set makes him an appealing option.Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s involvement highlights just how highly he is rated across Europe. The Spanish giants are known for identifying elite midfield talent early, and their reported interest suggests Wharton’s reputation has grown far beyond England.Any club hoping to secure his services will likely need to meet or exceed the reported £80 million asking price.‘Concrete talks are ongoing’ – Sky Sports journalist drops exciting Liverpool update as FSG give green light to transferThe post Just In: Liverpool move ahead of Man United and Real Madrid in race for £80m midfielder appeared first on CaughtOffside.