Liverpool are preparing to splash a record-breaking fee on a fantastic England international, but the Reds are set to miss out on an elite Serie A defender and a Premier League star, despite making advances for both players.<\/p>\n
The Reds have endured a disappointing season, especially when considering their mammoth spending of close to \u00a3450million in last summer\u2019s transfer window.<\/p>\n
Pressure is building on head coach Arne Slot, but we understand Liverpool<\/a> will be ambitious again in the next transfer window, and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is emerging as one of their top targets.<\/p>\n Liverpool step up pursuit of superb England midfielder<\/strong><\/p>\n TEAMtalk transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, revealed in an update earlier today that Liverpool are \u2018s<\/a>tepping up plans for a significant midfield reshuffle this summer\u2019<\/a>, and Wharton looks set to play a leading role.<\/p>\n Sources confirm there is uncertainty surrounding Alexis Mac Allister\u2019s future, with Real Madrid showing strong interest in signing the Argentina international.<\/p>\n At the same time, Curtis Jones is increasingly likely to be on the move this summer, after struggling to establish himself as a regular starter this term.<\/p>\n And now, we understand Liverpool have intensified their own focus on reinforcements and upgrades.<\/p>\n The Merseyside club have been carrying out extensive background work on\u00a0Wharton<\/a>, who has rapidly established himself as one of the most composed and intelligent young midfielders in English football.<\/p>\n Crystal Palace<\/a>\u00a0are willing to sanction his departure \u2018under the right conditions and are not expected to stand in his way,\u2019 but are \u2018determined to secure full market value for one of their prized assets.\u2019<\/p>\n Figures discussed internally and among interested clubs suggest a fee in the region of \u00a370million (\u20ac80m, $95m) \u2013 which would be a club-record sale at Selhurst Park \u2013 would be required to get a deal over the line. That fee would narrowly eclipse the \u00a368m (\u20ac78m, $92m) package Arsenal spent on Eberechi Eze last summer.<\/p>\n Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are all monitoring Wharton closely, however, so Liverpool are set to face competition for his signature.<\/p>\n Painful transfer miss for Reds<\/strong><\/p>\n Meanwhile, we have also revealed how Liverpool are big admirers of Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, but they are now expected to miss out on his signature.<\/a><\/p>\n Both\u00a0Chelsea<\/a>\u00a0and Liverpool have tracked the \u2018incredible\u2019 Inter Milan defender closely and remain long-term admirers, but sources confirm they have been made aware that the player\u2019s focus is on joining Barcelona instead.<\/p>\n Inter have been working to secure\u00a0Bastoni<\/a>\u2019s long-term future, with his current deal valid until 2028, but talks over a new contract have so far been unsuccessful.<\/p>\n That lack of progress has opened the door for his representatives to explore alternative options.<\/p>\n Our sources understand that, despite interest from Liverpool, Barcelona have now moved into a strong position, having begun concrete work on a deal as they look to strengthen their defence ahead of next season.<\/p>\n Importantly, that feeling is mutual. Sources indicate that\u00a0Barcelona<\/a>\u00a0are also Bastoni\u2019s preferred destination, and that message has now been clearly communicated to both Liverpool and Chelsea.\u00a0<\/p>\n Tottenham hijack Liverpool move<\/strong><\/p>\n In other news, Liverpool have missed out on another centre-back signing in the form of Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi.<\/p>\n The 28-year-old has attracted the interest of multiple clubs due to the fact he is available on a free transfer, with his Cherries contract expiring at the season\u2019s end, and he has no intention of signing an extension.<\/p>\n