Former player Collymore: Liverpool needs a player like Anderson, should pursue Wharton over Scott

Former Liverpool player Stan Collymore recently discussed Liverpool's transfer targets, stating that after Elliot Anderson's impressive performance in the Manchester City vs. Liverpool match last weekend, Liverpool needs to sign a player who can make a similar contribution, such as Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.

Former Liverpool forward Stan Collymore said the Reds should sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in January to strengthen their squad.

Last summer, Anfield let Curtis Jones go but failed to bring in a replacement, instead relying on Gravenberch and Szoboszlai. Both players have renewed their contracts in recent months, but Mac Allister has not yet started negotiations.

Collymore said: "I like Wharton. He's always running, a bit like Elliot-Anderson or Jack Hinshelwood. In that position, Declan Rice is obviously at his peak for Arsenal now. You need a midfielder who is disciplined, can play in front of the defense, and also has enough technical ability to receive the ball and drive the team forward. He has to do all the unsung work that makes it easier for your front three to play. Wharton has all the qualities to do that, and I'm surprised he's still at Crystal Palace, but we also have to say that his performance over the past 18 months has been inconsistent, and the club itself has been inconsistent. However, any club would be interested in him and his agent, so I think this deal will happen at the end of the season. Someone might make an offer in January, but big deals usually happen in the summer."

Wharton had previously been linked with Liverpool, but he remained at Crystal Palace in the summer transfer window.

Speculation about his departure is unlikely to die down anytime soon. "Do I think he's as good as Elliot-Anderson? He's very good on the ball, but I think Anderson is a couple of levels higher," Collymore added. "Personally, I think Elliot-Anderson might be better than Rice in three years. It sounds a bit ridiculous to say that now, but Anderson can do everything. It's entirely possible he could develop into a better player than Rice."

"But for Liverpool, Adam Wharton would be a good signing. Maybe a 7 or 8 out of 10 signing. He's a quality midfielder, and Liverpool are definitely looking at him."

AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has also been named by some as an option for Liverpool. Although there are reports that Bournemouth are willing to sell the English player in the winter window, the asking price is said to be around £100 million.

"Scott is an all-around midfielder, not as strong defensively as Anderson, Wharton, or Rice," Collymore continued in an interview with Betfreds. "He can create chances and is versatile, but I don't think Liverpool need him. I think his best position is in a more advanced area, and Liverpool don't need two players in the same position. Liverpool need a hardworking midfielder who can perform both offensively and defensively. In my opinion, Wharton is more suitable for this role."

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