Real Madrid have a fight on their hands with Manchester United and Liverpool to sign one of Europe's most promising midfielders. The La Liga giants often try and stay clear of getting involved in a transfer battle with Premier League clubs because of their financial strength.
When the 'big six' of English football enter the race to sign a player it can raise the price tag of a potential target. This could prevent Madrid from pursuing one of their top targets this summer.
Los Blancos have long been linked with Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton who is shining in the English top-flight. He ticks the boxes for Florentino Perez whose transfer chiefs are on the lookout for a new six who is tidy on the ball and can be a long-term solution in the middle of the park.
Real Madrid rivalled by Man United and Liverpool for Wharton
The race is on for Wharton who could be on the plane for this summer's World Cup with England. The 22-year-old has appeared in 31 games across competitions this season for Palace, contributing three assists.
Wharton was a standout performer for Oliver Glasner's side in their FA Cup win last season. He is regarded as one of the most promising talents in Europe.
According to Fichajes (via CaughtOffside), United and Liverpool are keen on Wharton and have begun "preliminary talks" to sign him. He is thought to be valued at €95 million (£83m) and has three years left on his contract.
That fee might be too high for Madrid as they want to strengthen in other positions as well as in central midfield. But it's said that the Spanish heavyweights are "monitoring the situation" and that Wharton is viewed as a possible replacement for Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Madrid should make two central midfield signings
Wharton shouldn't be the only center midfielder to join Madrid this summer if the club decide to press on and try and win the race for his signature. There is a clear need for an overhaul and that should include two differing profiles.
AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit is another target and signing two of the most highly-rated young midfielders in Europe woud be a statement of intent. But Wharton feels the real deal and he is described by the Premier League as a "special talent."
Wharton still has room to grow and is by no means the finished article which is why adding two new midfielders could give Madrid much needed options. But the fee does cast doubt over that possibility since there is also an expectation that a new central defender is on the cards.