Liverpool have identified their replacement for Ryan Gravenberch after Real Madrid launched a mega-money bid for the Dutch midfielder, according to reports.<\/p>\n
Gravenberch joined Liverpool<\/a> in September 2023 when the Reds paid Bayern Munich \u20ac40million (then \u00a334m) for his services. Gravenberch had an underwhelming spell at Bayern after arriving from Ajax in June 2022, and his Liverpool career also got off to a tricky start.<\/p>\n While Jurgen Klopp struggled to get the best out of the 23-year-old, his successor Arne Slot deployed Gravenberch<\/a> further back as a No 6. The change worked wonders as Gravenberch played a key role in Liverpool\u2019s Premier League title triumph last season, featuring in all but one game.<\/p>\n The classy performances of the Netherlands international have reportedly seen him appear on Real Madrid\u2019s wish list, though Liverpool have their own target in mind\u2026<\/p>\n Liverpool in for Crystal Palace star<\/p>\n Liverpool are \u2018well in the race\u2019 for Crystal Palace\u2019s Adam Wharton and opened \u2018initial talks\u2019 for him in November, according to DaveOCKOP<\/a>.<\/p>\n While Wharton<\/a> is \u2018highly unlikely\u2019 to move in January, Liverpool are among \u2018several clubs keen to sign the Englishman in the summer\u2019.<\/p>\n Arne Slot\u2019s side are \u2018keeping an eye\u2019 on Wharton\u2019s situation in case he begins to push for a major transfer, or in case a rival enters transfer talks of their own.<\/p>\n The report cites Spanish outlet AS,\u00a0who claim the 21-year-old has been \u2018offered\u2019 to Real Madrid by his camp.<\/p>\n Madrid are reportedly searching for an elite defensive midfielder to replace Aurelien Tchouameni and could be set to choose between Gravenberch and Wharton.<\/p>\n Returning to Liverpool, their sporting director Richard Hughes has been dazzled by Wharton\u2019s sublime displays for Palace since stepping up from the Championship.<\/p>\n Liverpool will face competition from Prem rivals Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for Wharton\u2019s capture. Our transfer insider Dean Jones revealed on December 28 that Spurs are stepping up their pursuit of the player<\/a> and would be open to launching a big-money offer to get him.<\/p>\n Some outlets have suggested Wharton could be available for \u00a360m, though Palace are likely to hold out for \u00a380-100m.<\/p>\n Huge Gravenberch exit claim<\/p>\n Madrid are eager to take Gravenberch to Spain and have tabled a stunning \u20ac120m (\u00a3104.5m) offer<\/a>, according to the speculative\u00a0Fichajes.<\/p>\n The alleged move comes after Xabi Alonso instructed Madrid officials to sign Gravenberch.<\/p>\n Madrid supposedly see Gravenberch as a player who can \u2018lead their new era\u2019.<\/p>\n The report adds that Liverpool do not want to sell him but have been forced to \u2018reconsider their options\u2019 due to the huge money being proposed.<\/p>\n The bid has reportedly sent \u2018shockwaves through Anfield\u2019.<\/p>\n Although, it is hard to see this exit actually going ahead, as\u00a0Fichajes\u00a0is not one of Spain\u2019s most reliable transfer news sources.<\/p>\n Update on more likely departure<\/p>\n One player who is more likely to leave Anfield this month is Federico Chiesa<\/a>, who has found starts hard to come by at Liverpool.<\/p>\n Tuttosport\u00a0revealed recently that Juventus are plotting an initial loan bid to re-sign the forward, and\u00a0Calciomercato\u00a0have provided an update.<\/p>\n