Wharton has been one of Palace’s standout performers and the club are braced for approaches next summer
Adam Wharton is likely to target a move to a Champions League club when he leaves Crystal Palace, according to the player’s agent.
Manchester United are among the sides monitoring Wharton, after an impressive rise that has seen him become a Premier League regular and earn a senior England call up, only two years after joining Palace from Championship side Blackburn.
James Featherstone, who represents the player, said Wharton sees playing in Europe’s elite competition as the next objective in his career.
“When he was at Blackburn we sat down and spoke about shooting for the stars and playing for England,” said Featherstone.
“So how do you get there? Personally I think to play for England you have to play in the Champions League. To play in the Champions League you have got to play for one of the top teams in one of the top leagues.
“That jump to a Champions League team, I think you can get lost. The plan below that was to play for a Premier League team. We have got a plan. He is 21. I have to check myself to remember that every now and then. It doesn’t have to be achieved yesterday, today or this moment.”
Wharton has been one of Palace’s standout performers under Oliver Glasner and the club are braced for approaches next summer. Featherstone said the player would focus on continuing his development.
“He has got his in-game, in-season targets and goals,” said the agent. “He has got to do his bit and the rest will look after itself in a very structured, calm way to ultimately add value and maximise his ability.”
