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Liverpool among six clubs chasing 'Champions League level' starlet

Liverpool among six clubs chasing 'Champions League level' starlet

Andy Headspeath 28 Nov 2023, 14:48 Last modified: 28 Nov 2023

Liverpool are 'admirers' of Blackburn Rovers' midfield starlet Adam Wharton, according to a report.

The 19-year-old broke into Rovers' first team last season and has been a regular fixture in Jon Dahl Tomasson's side in 2023/24, making 12 Championship starts at the base of midfield so far.

According to 90min, the rising star is garnering attention from a host of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool – who are described as 'long-term admirers'.

It is noted that Tottenham have also "been closely and intently watching Wharton's recent displays", along with Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Back in July, Wharton – who has been capped at England Under-20 level – was picked out by the Athletic as part of the 'EFL Ones to Watch' series ahead of the 2023/24 season, with the teenager praised for his "two-footedness and willingness to take on the defensive side of his role in central midfield."

The piece continued: "He is good at recovering possession — some standout moments from his debut against Blackpool were big tackles to break up attacks, as seen in the clips above — and at applying pressure to prevent the opposition from playing or turning on the ball."

The young midfielder also shone in the Carabao Cup defeat to Chelsea at the start of November – making four tackles, four interceptions, and two clearances against the Premier League side.

After that display, manager Tomasson hailed Wharton as being 'Champions League level'.

"Adam, on the ball, he has a Champions League level," he said. "I've been a Champions League player myself, I've coached in the Champions League so I know what you need.

"He's still young so he needs, of course, to develop the rest of his game. That could be defending but Adam played an excellent game."

While Liverpool spent over £140m on new midfield talent during the summer transfer window, there may be space in the squad for another defensive option, given a lack of natural 'number six' candidates.

Fluminense's Andre Trindade has been regularly linked with the Reds following their summer enquiry, while Anfield Watch understands that Liverpool have also been monitoring Genoa's Morten Frendrup.