Tottenham identify Wharton as ‘priority’ signing over Tonali and Fernandes

Tottenham‘s summer business has already grabbed plenty of headlines, but their work in the transfer market is far from finished.

Much of the attention in recent days has centred on Sandro Tonali and the growing belief that Spurs are prepared to make a huge effort to bring the Newcastle midfielder to north London.

Roberto De Zerbi is known to be a huge admirer of Tonali and has tracked the Italian’s development for years, all the way back from his time at Sassuolo (BBC).

Reports from Italy have suggested Tottenham are willing to push their finances to the limit in an attempt to make a deal happen, and the club’s interest appears genuine and ambitious.

Fabrizio Romano broke news earlier this week that Spurs have burst into the race for the 26-year-old, despite competition from Arsenal, Man United and Man City.

Tonali is also reliably believed to be very keen on a move to N17, largely due to the De Zerbi factor, with both men hailing from the same city in Italy.

Alfredo Pedulla even reported that the pair have already held direct conversations about Tonali joining Tottenham, but De Zerbi’s side may have to fork out up to £100 million.

The ex-AC Milan star is also reported to be earning around £150,000-per-week, so a deal could become perhaps the most expensive move Spurs have ever done.

There is more, though.

As per overnight reports from the likes of David Ornstein and Ben Jacobs, Tottenham could actually sign multiple high-profile midfielders this summer.

Indeed, it is now believed that West Ham star Mateus Fernandes is on their radar too, and Ornstein confirms that the Portuguese is being targeted in a completely separate deal to Tonali.

Given Fernandes is valued at up to £85 million, Spurs could now end up splashing close to £200m just to reinforce their defensive midfield options alone.

If both of those moves come to fruition, it would be an absolutely huge statement of backing for De Zerbi.

Yet despite all the focus on Tonali and Fernandes, another midfielder is emerging as an equally important target behind the scenes.

Tottenham identify Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as ‘priority’ target

According to Flashscore journalist Dean Jones, Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is viewed as a ‘priority’ signing by Tottenham.

In fact, Jones’ report suggests the England international is the player Spurs would ‘ideally’ like to bring to the club if circumstances allow.

That is a significant claim given the attention currently being directed towards Tonali and Fernandes, and it underlines just how highly Wharton is regarded within football circles.

The former Blackburn Rovers midfielder has enjoyed a remarkable rise since moving to Selhurst Park.

What initially looked like a smart signing has quickly developed into one of the best pieces of recruitment in the Premier League.

Wharton has established himself as a key player for Palace thanks to his maturity, technical quality and intelligence in possession, and was pretty unlucky to miss out on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad.

Even at a very young age, he already plays with the composure of a far more experienced midfielder.

Liverpool are also believed to be monitoring the situation closely, with Jones reporting that they aim to explore a deal to sign him for new manager Andoni Iraola.

This all being said, Palace have no desire to lose one of their most valuable players on the cheap, and would demand around £100 million in this very inflated midfield market.

For Tottenham, that creates an interesting dilemma.

The club are simultaneously exploring moves for Tonali and Fernandes while also keeping Wharton firmly on their radar.

All three players would improve the squad, but they offer different strengths and come with similar financial challenges.

What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that Spurs want more than one major midfield addition before the window closes.