Eberechi Eze may be inching closer towards an exit from Crystal Palace, but Adam Wharton won’t be going any time soon.
Well, that’s if a small gesture on live television is to be believed.
Sky Sports cameras were at Palace’s training ground in Beckenham and captured their players being put though their paces during a warm-up exercise.
Reporter Gary Cotterill, who was in remarkably close proximity to Eze and Wharton, was asked by the Sky Sports host to enquire with Wharton about his future.
In response, Cotterill said within earshot of the Palace duo: “I’m not going to ask Adam Wharton about his future, no.”
Cotterill’s reply prompted Eze to turn around and sport a wry smile.
As for Wharton, he pulled up his sports vest and pointed to the Palace badge in an indication he seemingly plans to remain at Selhurst Park for the foreseeable future.
Cotterill kept going, and after hinting Eze ‘wasn’t 100 per cent committed’ to Palace while the star was still within earshot, Eze turned around and told the reporter: “Give it a rest.”
Which Premier League club was linked with Wharton?
talkSPORT reported last Sunday Manchester United had cast their eye towards Wharton after they were told Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba was not for sale.
The Red Devils had taken a liking to Wharton given the 21-year-old’s impressive rise since he joined from Blackburn in January 2024.
Since his arrival, Wharton has won the FA Cup and Community Shield with Palace and been capped for England at senior level.
It’s not just United who have kept tabs on Wharton in recent months.
The Eagles rejected Bayern Munich’s advances for their prized asset last summer while Spanish giants Real Madrid had their scouts cast their eyes over the midfielder in person.
Spanish giants Real Madrid sent scouts to watch the midfielder while Palace rejected Bayern Munich’s advances for their prized asset last summer.
Although the south London side stand a strong chance of keeping Wharton, it is increasingly likely Eze’s time at the club is nearing its end.
Eberechi Eze’s future
talkSPORT understands Tottenham Hotspur is on the brink of striking an agreement with Palace for Eze.
Palace are set to net approximately £60million as part of the deal, a figure £8m lower than his release clause which expired last Friday.
Tottenham’s need for a new attacking midfielder was exarcebated after James Maddison sustained an ACL injury in a pre-season clash against Newcastle.
The injury is expected to sideline Maddison for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign.
Who could Palace sign as an Eze replacement?
As Eze inches closer towards a Selhurst Park exit, Palace have wasted little time in procuring a replacement.
talkSPORT understands the Eagles have a verbal agreement in place with Leicester City for 21-year-old talent Bilal El Khanouss.
The Moroccan ace, who has featured three times and registered two assists for the Foxes this season, will cost Palace a cool £32m.