There have been several midfielders linked to Liverpool during this summer transfer period.

From Alex Scott to Eduardo Camavinga there has been no shortage of star names associated with a move to Anfield.

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The latest report from Football Transfers even indicates that Richard Hughes has spurned the opportunity to sign Joao Gomes – with the Brazilian now winging his way to Aston Villa.

In any case a new midfielder’s arrival is sure to depend on outgoings.

Liverpool must sell to buy

Liverpool simply cannot afford another transfer splurge like last summer – which saw them spend £450m with very little to show for it.

They have already spent close to £100m this summer on players – Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet – and midfielders will have to leave before new ones come through the door.

Curtis Jones remains a prime candidate to be sold with Inter Milan now thought to be making another approach for the England man.

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We could also see Harvey Elliott depart following a poor spell on loan at Aston Villa. Even Stefan Bajcetic has been linked with a cut-price move away with the Spaniard like Jones and Elliott boasting only one year on his contract.

If – and when – Liverpool lose midfielders we can expect the recruitment team to pounce for their preferred option.

Adam Wharton is now Liverpool’s top target

And according to a report in Football Transfers it will be Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old joined the Eagles back in 2024 from Blackburn Rovers – inking a deal until 2029.

However the left-footed schemer now looks set to depart with Palace valuing their star man at £100m or more.

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Wharton has won the FA Cup and UEFA Europa Conference League throughout his time at Selhurst Park – excelling due to his composure on the ball and forward-passing capabilities.

The report claims Liverpool have passed on the opportunity to sign Joao Gomes in favour of an attempt to sign Wharton.

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Liverpool moving in a different direction with £100m Wharton

“Liverpool have made Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton their top target this summer, having rejected the opportunity to sign Joao Gomes from Wolves,” the report reads.

“The Brazilian was eager to sign for Liverpool. Having weighed up that deal, the Reds’ recruitment team had a change of heart and opted for a different type of profile, targeting Wharton instead.”

The change of direction is very interesting – especially considering Liverpool have appointed a new head coach in Andoni Iraola.

Wharton’s strengths lie in high pressing and playmaking – creating far more chances on average than other midfielders in his position.

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It looks like Iraola has got plans to reshape the midfield totally – utilising the Englishman’s characteristics to set the tempo.

Joao Gomes isn’t what the Reds are looking for at this stage of their development but a creative ball-player like Wharton fits the bill.