BAYERN MUNICH are ready to move for Crystal Palace’s shining star Adam Wharton — and try to get him at the second attempt.
The German giants are desperate for the midfield maestro, 20, after missing out when the Eagles swooped on Blackburn for him in January.
Harry Kane’s Bayern worked on a deal to sign Wharton and take 18 months to develop him but Palace saw them off – and Chelsea, who also had a similar plan.
Wharton cost Palace £18million but it would now take £60m to get him — an expensive mistake for Bayern.
Experts think he will play in the Champions League sooner rather than later and Palace could come under pressure to keep him.
The Eagles have a host of talent and the likes of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze are linked with moves.
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But boyhood Blackburn fan Wharton may attract a bid quicker – helped by a brilliant display in last Monday’s 4-0 thumping of Manchester United and an assist in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Wolves.
Palace are under siege off the field too, with director of football Dougie Freedman wanted by Newcastle.
He masterminded deals for all of the Palace captures and is happy at the club.
However, if they sell too many in the next window, it could lead to a change of heart.
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Adam Wharton has been a sensation since joining the Eagles from Blackburn for an initial £18million in January, writes JACK ROSSER.
Darragh Tuffy, who coached Wharton as a youth player at Blackburn, told SunSport: “All through his age groups he had this weird ability to never be fazed by anything.
“I watch him in the Premier League now and he is playing passes he used to do in training. He looks in total control, the calmest man on the pitch.”
Wharton’s creative ability in midfield and eye for a pass has blown Palace fans, as well as Roy Hodgson and now new boss Oliver Glasner away.
Past coaches say the trait stood out before he was ten and was much-needed as he was one of the smallest players on the pitch.
Wharton’s nonchalant style had teachers at Moorland, the private school where Blackburn send players, comparing him to Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle, before he earned the nickname “Messi”.
Charlie Jackson, who taught Wharton at Moorland having worked with Man Utd’s Scott McTominay, told SunSport: “You wouldn’t see him for 20 minutes – and then you’d see a pass Maradona-esque. Then he’s on it and gets man of the match.”
Palace’s director of football Dougie Freedman even started scouting the boyhood Blackburn fan before his senior debut.
That effort and interest was not lost on Wharton and his representatives in January, when Chelsea were also keen.
The England Under-21 has always been bright enough to adapt to anything – such as his major move to the capital.
Jackson added: “Adam could turn himself into anything. I used to say he could be a rocket scientist.”
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Meanwhile Bayern are also looking at Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, 22, but would have to find £50m to land him.
Palace centre-back Kofi Balmer, 23, is set to sign for St Mirren in a £75,000 deal.
The former Northern Ireland Under-21 ace has been on loan at AFC Wimbledon but could now head for Scotland.
Saints’ boss Stephen Robinson thinks he would be a landmark capture.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
