- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC Football can confirm that Blackburn Rovers have rejected Crystal Palace’s £18 million offer for midfielder Adam Wharton.
The 19-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this month with Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace seeming to be the side at the front of the queue for his signature.
Blackburn Rovers are understood to have turned down the offer, but talks are continuing and Palace are set to return with a new offer in excess of £20m.
It remains to be seen if this would be enough to land the teenage sensation but the Eagles have not been deterred by Rovers rejecting their offer for the English midfielder.
Other Premier League clubs keen
It’s not just Palace who are understood to be keen on the 19-year-old, with HITC sources confirming that Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have kept a watching brief of the Blackburn star.
Despite Palace being furthest along for the midfielder, it is unclear if a rival offer from one of these sides could be made. Considering the financial troubles that Newcastle and Erik ten Hag’s United are in, with the Red Devils limited to loan moves, Palace may well be the only side in the race.
Palace are keen on strengthening their midfield department following the injury to Cheick Doucoure that the midfielder suffered in November which has been described as an Achillies problem.
Wharton’s impressive Blackburn season
The highly-rated Wharton has shone for Rovers this season, making 26 league appearances in the EFL Championship. He has started 22 of those matches and registered five goal contributions.
After a great start to the season, Wharton signed a new five-year deal with the Lancashire side which will keep him at Ewood Park until 2028.
Palace, however, remain keen as they prepare another offer for the teenage sensation.
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