Adam Wharton ‘wanted by Real Madrid as they join Man Utd on star's chasing

REAL MADRID have entered the race to sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, according to sensational reports in Spain.

The England midfielder, 21, has long been on the radar of Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.

United look the most-likely of the trio to do a deal this summer as they look for cheaper alternatives to Brighton's £115million-rated Carlos Baleba.

However, LaLiga giants Real are now setting the wheels in motion for a spectacular swoop for Wharton, according to Spanish outlet AS.

Xabi Alonso is desperately hunting a deep-lying playmaker - and had ambitions of signing Martin Zubimendi prior to his move to Arsenal.

Los Blancos have an embarrassment of riches in their midfield ranks, including Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Dani Ceballos.

However, Alonso is still keen to find a long-term replacement for Luka Modric.

And, in Wharton, the Spain legend believes he's found his answer.

Aged just 21, left-footed and boasting an ability to control the tempo of the game, Real Madrid are now adopting their preferred transfer strategy for big-name transfers.

The LaLiga giants are unlikely to make a move this summer having already brought in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono and Alvaro Carreras.

The only way Real would consider a move before the September 1 deadline would be by sanctioning a mega-money sale.

And, the most-likely option appears to be in-demand Brazil winger Rodrygo.

Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham have all been linked with a move for the out-of-favour forward this summer and would cost around £70-80m.

That would allow them to make a last-gasp swoop for Wharton, with Palace not picking up the phone for less than £69m.

AS claim Real Madrid would welcome Wharton NOT moving this summer and allow them to employ a "slow burn" approach.

With Eberechi Eze on the brink of leaving the Eagles to join Arsenal in a £60m deal - and Marc Guehi expected to leave for around £35m - the South London side will be in no major rush to cash in.

So Real's chase will likely hinge on Man Utd's desperation to land a new central midfielder before the transfer window slams shut.

Wharton has been a key figure in Crystal Palace's recent rise to prominence.

The one-cap England international helped his side win the FA Cup at the end of last season, before winning the Community Shield earlier this month.

Despite missing nearly 100 days through a groin injury last season, Wharton still managed 20 Premier League appearances as Palace cracked the 50-point mark for the first time in their top-flight history