Sean Dyche wants to sign Adam Wharton as Everton player-plus-cash deal mooted
Everton are looking to sign Blackburn Rovers’ midfield “diamond” Adam Wharton but a plan to sign him in a player-plus-cash deal looks to be off, according to Alan Nixon.
Writing on Patreon on 9 July, the newspaper journalist said that Sean Dyche’s side thought about offering up Coventry-bound Ellis Simms to Blackburn plus cash for Wharton, but it was rejected due to the Championship side’s desire for a £15million fee.
However, they face a challenge from Newcastle who would reportedly be open to loaning him back to Blackburn as the Magpies see him as a prospect for the future. Everton meanwhile could be willing to offer the 19-year-old a chance at Premier League action, putting them in pole position.
Everton’s to lose
Wharton has been catching the eye of many Premier League suitors. Newcastle, West Ham, Arsenal, Tottenham and Leicester have sent scouts to watch the youngster [Daily Mail], so he must be doing something right in the Championship.
Everton are the latest top-flight side to show interest and could be in the best position to sign the exciting prospect, with their intent shown by the offer of Simms.
They could give him a much quicker route to the Premier League than the likes of Newcastle, whose strength in depth and generally better quality than Everton would likely see Wharton loaned back out should he become a Magpie.
Everton, however, could allow him to play a bigger role next season especially with Tom Davis departing the club.
Nixon also claimed that Everton would be willing to pay the £15million if they can facilitate a deal for Amadou Odana this summer.
Wharton himself has done a lot of showing his pedigree last season. He is adept at holding the ball in between the lines for Blackburn, meaning he can make intelligent passes on on-running forwards.
He also possesses excellent control of the ball and has shown great development in a short period of time, including significantly improving his off-the-ball work.
Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph in April, boyhood Rovers fan Wharton said: “I’m a completely different player from what I was at the start of the season. That’s down to the things I’ve been working on with the gaffer and the staff in training all season.
“I think I’m improving every day. Of course, I want to play every game but that’s not possible.”
His ceiling appears very high, and if his development continues at this rate Dyche could have a fantastic prospect on his hands.
In other Everton news, a former England star has offered his services to Dyche’s side.