Carlton Cole says he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if Chelsea beat Manchester United and Liverpool to a stunning transfer deal for Adam Wharton.

England midfielder Wharton is being tracked by some of the biggest clubs in the world following his impressive rise at Crystal Palace.

Signed from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 for £22m, Wharton has quickly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old helped Palace win the FA Cup last season and the Community Shield before this campaign got underway.

Wharton’s form contributed to Palace’s club-record 19-game unbeaten run which finally came to an end before the international break.

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It was reported over the weekend that Manchester United were keen to bring Wharton to Old Trafford to solve their midfield issues and were confident of striking a deal worth around £60m.

Ruben Amorim is said to be a ‘big fan’ of Wharton, who made his England...