Tottenham Hotspur are beginning to think beyond their current struggles and are quietly laying the groundwork for what could be a bold move in the transfer market.
With the first half of the Premier League season proving frustrating, the club is now weighing up long-term solutions that could help reshape the squad and restore momentum.
One name that has emerged strongly in recent discussions is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, a player Spurs clearly admire and believe could play a major role in their future.
Spurs find themselves in an uncomfortable position in the league table. Sitting 11th with 25 points, they are already seven points away from the final Champions League place. That gap has increased pressure on the club to act smartly, both in January and beyond.
While short-term reinforcements could arrive during the winter window, there is also a clear focus on securing players who can become cornerstones for seasons to come. Wharton fits that profile perfectly.
Crystal Palace have no intention of letting the midfielder leave in the middle of the campaign. He is seen as a key part of their project, and losing him in January would weaken their plans significantly.
However, Palace are realistic enough to know that interest from top clubs will not fade. If the right offer arrives once the season ends, they could be open to negotiations.
Tottenham are believed to be ready to test Palace’s resolve with what has been described as a very serious offer, though they are unlikely to be alone in the race.
Manchester United are also tracking Wharton closely, which sets up a potential transfer battle between two of England’s biggest clubs.
Both sides view him as a player with the intelligence and technical quality needed to control games from midfield. That level of competition will almost certainly drive up the price and make negotiations more complex.
Since arriving at Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers, Wharton’s development has been impressive. He has adapted quickly to the pace and physical demands of the Premier League, standing out for his calmness on the ball and his ability to move play forward with purpose.
His passing range is one of his biggest strengths, and he has already created several clear chances for his teammates this season, adding a couple of assists to his name.
Beyond his creativity, Wharton’s defensive work has also caught the eye. He consistently wins his duels, times his tackles well, and shows strong positional awareness.
His recovery numbers highlight how effective he is at breaking up play and regaining possession, making him a reliable presence in front of the defence.
These qualities point to a midfielder who is comfortable contributing on both sides of the game, a trait that is increasingly valuable in modern football.
At just 21 years old, Wharton is still developing, and there is a feeling that he has not yet reached his full potential. If he can add goals to his game and sharpen his finishing, he could grow into a truly elite holding midfielder.
Tottenham are clearly aware of this upside, which explains their willingness to consider a major investment.
Reports suggest that a deal in the region of £70 million could be enough to convince Palace to sell in the summer, although no official valuation has been confirmed.
One possible complication is Wharton’s own ambition. He is understood to be keen on playing Champions League football, which could influence his decision if he chooses to move.
With both Tottenham and Manchester United currently outside the top four, that desire may become a key factor in how this story unfolds.
As things stand, United are slightly better placed in the league, sitting just three points off fourth place, while Spurs have more ground to make up. Much will depend on how both clubs perform in the second half of the season.
For Tottenham, landing Wharton would send a strong message of intent, but turning interest into a completed deal will require patience, progress on the pitch, and a willingness to compete at the very highest level.
