Real Madrid have reportedly sent scouts to report on Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.
The 21-year-old has adapted seamlessly to being a Premier League footballer since he joined the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024.
Wharton impressed in his 16 top-flight appearances in the second half of last season, earning himself a spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024.
The Palace man started eight of the first nine league games of the current season, before a groin injury forced him to spend nearly three months on the sidelines.
Wharton returned to action at the beginning of last month, making three substitute appearances before starting a commanding 4-1 home win over Aston Villa.
Real Madrid scouting Palace's Wharton
The midfielder had to settle for a substitute role in Saturday's 3-1 FA Cup win over Millwall, with Palace seemingly keen to ease him back to full fitness following his time in the treatment room.
When fully fit, Wharton is regarded as one of the key members of the Palace squad, although the Eagles may have a fight on their hands to fend off interest from potential suitors.
Manchester United are understood to be considering a summer move, while there is believed to be interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
According to the Daily Mail, European champions Real Madrid are also among Wharton's potential suitors after sending scouts to watch him in action.
The report claims that Real Madrid have sent scouts to report on Wharton's progress since his return from injury, with the club's chief scout Juni Calafat believed to be an admirer of the Palace midfielder.
Palace could demand around £70m to part ways with a player who has a long-term contract at Selhurst Park until the summer of 2029, putting the Eagles in a strong negotiating position when it comes to discussing a transfer fee.
Why are Real Madrid tracking Wharton?
Carlo Ancelotti's side appear to be considering Wharton as a possible transfer target for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Real Madrid are still looking to bolster their engine room following Toni Kroos's decision to call time on his playing career at the end of last season.
Los Blancos are yet to replace the ex-Germany international, while it remains to be seen whether his former midfielder partner Luka Modric will remain with the club for at least one more season.
The 39-year-old is out of contract at the end of June, and if he were to depart, Real Madrid would certainly need to bolster their options ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
