Eberechi Eze may be inching closer towards an exit from Crystal Palace, but Adam Wharton won’t be going any time soon.
Well, that’s if a small gesture on live television is to be believed.
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Sky Sports cameras were at Palace’s training ground in Beckenham and captured their players being put though their paces during a warm-up exercise.
Gary Cotterill from Sky Sports got very close to both Eze and Wharton and was prompted by the Sky Sports host to ask Wharton about his plans moving forward.
In response, Cotterill said within earshot of the Palace duo: “I’m not going to ask Adam Wharton about his future, no.”
Cotterill’s reply prompted Eze to turn around and sport a wry smile.
Wharton gestured towards his commitment to Crystal Palace by lifting his sports vest to reveal the Palace badge, suggesting his intention to stay at Selhurst Park for a while.
Cotterill proceeded with his inquiries and hinted that Eze seemed not entirely committed to Palace. Eze, still within hearing distance, replied to the reporter with a firm: “Give it a rest.”
Which Premier League club was linked with Wharton?
According to talkSPORT, Manchester United showed interest in Wharton last Sunday after being informed that Brighton’s midfielder Carlos Baleba was unavailable for purchase.
The Red Devils had taken a liking to Wharton given the 21-year-old’s impressive rise since he joined from Blackburn in January 2024.
Since his arrival, Wharton has won the FA Cup and Community Shield with Palace and been capped for England at senior level.
It’s not just United who have kept tabs on Wharton in recent months.
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The previous summer, Bayern Munich’s attempt to acquire Wharton was turned down by Crystal Palace, and Real Madrid also had scouts watch the midfielder in action firsthand.
Spanish giants Real Madrid sent scouts to watch the midfielder while Palace rejected Bayern Munich’s advances for their prized asset last summer.
Although the south London side stand a strong chance of keeping Wharton, it is increasingly likely Eze’s time at the club is nearing its end.
Eberechi Eze’s future
talkSPORT understands Tottenham Hotspur is on the brink of striking an agreement with Palace for Eze.
Palace are set to net approximately £60million as part of the deal, a figure £8m lower than his release clause which expired last Friday.
Tottenham’s need for a new attacking midfielder was exarcebated after James Maddison sustained an ACL injury in a pre-season clash against Newcastle.
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The injury is expected to sideline Maddison for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign.
Who could Palace sign as an Eze replacement?
As Eze inches closer towards a Selhurst Park exit, Palace have wasted little time in procuring a replacement.
talkSPORT understands the Eagles have a verbal agreement in place with Leicester City for 21-year-old talent Bilal El Khanouss.
The Moroccan ace, who has featured three times and registered two assists for the Foxes this season, will cost Palace a cool £32m.
