Real Madrid scout Adam Wharton

It’s been a month since Adam Wharton returned to action with Crystal Palace following a groin problem which required surgery, and according to the Daily Mail, the 21-year-old midfielder has been scouted by Real Madrid since. Juni Calafat, the chief of the scouting department for Los Blancos, is apparently impressed by Wharton’s talents, and he’s been sending staff to watch his performances on a regular basis.

Wharton, strongly expected to build on his maiden England appearance last summer, was heavily linked with Manchester City, who reportedly gave serious consideration to g him after an ACL tear ruled Rodri out for the season. However, the reigning Premier League champions turned their attention to Nico Gonzalez after Wharton suffered the groin injury. Manchester United and Liverpool have both been credited with interest as well, but it is believed that both have more urgent issues to address when it comes to squad reinforcements.

Wharton has four years left on his contract with Palace and his services certainly won’t come cheap.