Wharton eyes Crystal Palace exit - Saturday's gossip

England midfielder Adam Wharton has told Crystal Palace he wants to leave Selhurst Park this summer, with the 22-year-old determined to secure a transfer to a club competing in next season’s Champions League, according to reports in The Sun. The development puts Manchester United on red alert, as the Red Devils have already identified Wharton as a prime target ahead of the next window.

Palace are bracing themselves for serious interest in the former Blackburn Rovers prodigy, who broke into the senior England set-up after an impressive first full Premier League campaign. Wharton’s desire to test himself against Europe’s elite could accelerate negotiations, although Palace are under no immediate pressure to sell and will demand a premium fee for one of the division’s most coveted young talents.

Elsewhere in the top flight, Brighton have relaxed their hard-line stance on Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba. The Seagulls slapped a £100 million price tag on the 22-year-old when Manchester United enquired last summer, but sources indicate they are now willing to accept a significantly lower offer. United, still scouring the market for midfield reinforcements, are expected to revisit the deal.

Arsenal have entered the race for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, with Caughtoffside claiming that Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are also monitoring the 23-year-old. Anderson’s energetic style and home-grown status make him an attractive proposition for several of the league’s heavyweights.

Real Madrid’s French enforcer Aurelien Tchouameni continues to be linked with a move to England, with Fichajes reporting that Manchester United and Liverpool have both made contact over the 26-year-old. Madrid are reluctant sellers, yet a sizeable bid could tempt the Spanish giants to cash in on a player who has slipped down Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield pecking order.

Liverpool and Arsenal have already suffered an early setback in their pursuit of Paris St-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with Teamtalk stating that the Ligue 1 club have knocked back initial approaches for the 25-year-old Georgia international.

Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, 26, as the Catalans look to streamline their wage bill. Torres, who previously played under Erik ten Hag’s coaching rivals during his time at Manchester City, could provide versatile cover across the front line.

Juventus are plotting a free-transfer swoop for veteran Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, 37, should he leave Barcelona this summer. The Turin giants are also weighing up a move for Mason Greenwood, 24, currently starring on loan at Marseille from Manchester United. Atletico Madrid are pushing hardest for Greenwood, but Juve remain in the hunt.

On the managerial front, Luis Enrique looks set to reject any approach from Manchester United and will instead sign an extension with Paris St-Germain, dealing a blow to the Premier League side’s long-term planning, per the i Paper.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have drawn up contingency plans should top target Roberto de Zerbi delay his arrival until the end of the season. The North London club will consider approaching Everton boss Sean Dyche, 54, to steer them away from relegation danger if necessary.

Everton are preparing to reward David Moyes with a new contract after the 62-year-old Scot guided the Toffees from the foot of the table to European contention, the Guardian reports.