Everton scouts watch Blackburn Rovers star Adam Wharton after transfer approach twist

Everton scouts have been regularly watching Blackburn Rovers midfielder Adam Wharton at Ewood Park this season, but Crystal Palace have made the first move, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper reported via their website on 24 January that Palace have made an approach to sign the 19-year-old with discussions now underway between the two clubs.

Everton were named alongside Newcastle and Tottenham as long-term admirers of Wharton, as all three have had scouts regularly attending his games over the past two years.

It's now or never

If Everton wish to take their interest in Wharton beyond simply tracking his progress, it's a case of now or never at Goodison Park, as talks have already opened with Palace, narrowing the window Everton will have to act in.

Sean Dyche's side could see themselves miss out on yet another long-term transfer target in the weeks before the January transfer window closes, as well as seeing a team around them in the Premier League strengthen their squad.

While the finances at Goodison Park may not allow for an immediate deal, with Palace reported to have made a £15million bid [Alan Nixon, 24 January], missing out on Wharton will surely be another source of frustration for the transfer team at Everton.

The 19-year-old midfielder has been a regular in Blackburn's team so far this season, wowing fans and pundits with his displays, and a move to the Premier League looks like the natural next step in his progression.

In other Everton news, the club are now 'open' to a £60million deal before the transfer deadline.

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