Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
Adam Wharton is among the shortlisted candidates to bolster Real Madrid's midfield, with Dani Ceballos likely to join French side Marseille.
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to a report from AS, Real Madrid could step up their efforts to sign Wharton from Crystal Palace this summer, especially if Ceballos departs to join Marseille. Per the report, Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso believes that Ceballos' departure will leave the midfield without adequate depth, considering that Jude Bellingham will not return until October and Eduardo Camavinga having been ruled out until mid-September.
Crystal Palace v Fredrikstad - UEFA Conference League Play-off RoundFirst Leg
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Wharton is a name that has been regularly linked with Madrid over the past few months, although not with as much intensity. However, the fact that his name has hit the front pages of Spanish newspapers makes one believe that the club really likes the Palace star. Since the departures of Toni Kroos last summer and Luka Modric this summer, the club has been desperate to find a pivot who can orchestrate play from the deep.
While the arrival of Dean Huijsen and the positional shift of Arda Guler into midfield have offered initial solutions for Alonso, the manager remains intent on bolstering his squad further. Alonso is actively pursuing the signing of a new midfielder, one capable of providing both tactical stability and valuable depth to the team. The issue, however, remains the reported price tag of Wharton. With Rodrygo's departure seemingly unlikely, Los Blancos have second thoughts about Wharton's valuation; indeed, AS mention that the Eagles would demand €80 million (£69m/$93m) for the 21-year-old, who is tied at Selhurst Park until 2029.
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Apart from Wharton, AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit is another player Madrid are keeping a keen eye on. The 19-year-old was one of the stars of the U19 European Championship earlier this summer and would be a relatively much cheaper option, valued at just €25-30m. While he is not the club's priority, he is very much someone the club has on their radar. Indeed, Madrid scouts regularly visit Alkmaar games to monitor the teenage Dutchman.
If an external solution cannot be found in time, Alonso doesn't rule out counting on academy gem Thiago Pitarch. The recently-turned 18-year-old has surprised the coaching staff and has made it to the squads for the opening two La Liga fixtures after making his unofficial debut for the club in the summer friendly against WSG Tirol two weeks ago. While he is yet to make his competitive debut, Alonso is ready to count on Pitarch if need be.
Real Madrid CF v RCD Mallorca - La Liga EA Sports
WHAT NEXT?
Whether Madrid can sign a new midfielder depends on what happens with Ceballos. The former Real Betis midfielder hinted at his exit after commenting "Last dance" on social media. In recent days, reports suggest that he is closing in on a move to Stade Velodrome, with Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi even assuring the 29-year-old that he will be important to his plans this season. However, the finances are proving to be a major stumbling block. Les Olympiens insist on a loan deal with an obligation to buy, while Madrid are adamant on selling him for €15 million. For what it's worth, Alonso has already requested the club not to offload Ceballos. But with the World Cup next year, the central midfielder dreams of a call-up from Spain boss Luis de la Fuente at the marquee event.
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