Liverpool are reportedly exploring an ambitious move to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, with Harvey Elliott potentially included as part of a deal to tempt the Eagles into negotiations.
The Premier League champions remain keen to strengthen their midfield despite prioritising the search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah, and Wharton continues to rank highly among the club’s long-term targets.
According to journalist Danny Gallagher, Liverpool are assessing the possibility of using Elliott in a swap arrangement as they look to reduce the overall cost of signing one of England’s brightest young midfielders.
Gallagher wrote that the club are “looking into the logistics” of Elliott moving to Selhurst Park as part of a Wharton deal, although new head coach Andoni Iraola is still assessing whether the 23-year-old has a future at Anfield.
He added that the move “could move quickly if all parties agree”.
Elliott spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Aston Villa after falling out of favour under former Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
Villa did not activate the conditions required to make the transfer permanent, meaning Elliott has returned to Merseyside ahead of pre-season. Iraola is expected to take a closer look at the England Under-21 international before making a final decision on his future.
Wharton, meanwhile, has been admired by Liverpool’s recruitment department for some time.
Although reports last week suggested the Reds may have cooled their interest, Liverpool have continued to monitor the Crystal Palace midfielder as they consider ways to strengthen the centre of the pitch.
Any deal, however, is expected to come at a significant cost.
TEAMtalk previously revealed that Palace want Wharton to become the most expensive player in the club’s history, with sources indicating the south London side value the England international at £70 million.
That figure would surpass the £68 million Arsenal paid to sign Eberechi Eze in 2025, establishing a new club-record sale.
Crystal Palace are also in a strong negotiating position.
Wharton remains under contract at Selhurst Park, and the club are reluctant to lose another key player after recent departures including Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guéhi.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke recently suggested Palace could yet retain the midfielder, particularly as several Premier League clubs have already secured alternative midfield targets during the transfer window.
Liverpool’s interest reflects the club’s desire to reshape the squad under Iraola.
While replacing Salah remains the immediate priority, Fenway Sports Group are also keen to reinforce midfield, with Wharton viewed as a player capable of becoming a long-term cornerstone of the team.
Whether Elliott forms part of any proposal remains uncertain.
The attacking midfielder is highly regarded at Liverpool, but regular first-team opportunities have been limited in recent seasons. A move to Palace could offer him the consistent playing time needed to continue his development, while providing Liverpool with valuable leverage in negotiations for Wharton.
For now, discussions remain at an exploratory stage.
Liverpool are still evaluating Elliott’s role under Iraola, while Palace have shown no indication they are prepared to lower their valuation of one of the Premier League’s most highly rated young midfielders.
