Former Liverpool forward Stan Collymore has urged the club to pursue Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in January, arguing that Liverpool need a player capable of making the kind of all-round contribution Elliot Anderson produced in last weekend’s Manchester City v Liverpool match.
Collymore believes Wharton would provide the discipline and energy Liverpool require in midfield, while AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott would be less suitable for the role.
Liverpool allowed Curtis Jones to leave Anfield last summer without signing a direct replacement, instead relying on Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai. Both players have signed new contracts in recent months, although Mac Allister has yet to begin negotiations.
“I like Wharton. He’s always running, a bit like Elliot Anderson or Jack Hinshelwood,” Collymore said.
“In that position, Declan Rice is obviously at his peak for Arsenal now. You need a midfielder who is disciplined, can play in front of the defence, and also has enough technical ability to receive the ball and drive the team forward.
“He has to do all the unsung work that makes it easier for your front three to play. Wharton has all the qualities to do that, and I’m surprised he’s still at Crystal Palace.
“But we also have to say that his performance over the past 18 months has been inconsistent, and the club itself has been inconsistent. However, any club would be interested in him and his agent, so I think this deal will happen at the end of the season.
“Someone might make an offer in January, but big deals usually happen in the summer.”
Wharton was previously linked with Liverpool but remained at Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window. Collymore said speculation over his future was unlikely to disappear soon.
Asked whether Wharton was as good as Anderson, Collymore replied: “He’s very good on the ball, but I think Anderson is a couple of levels higher.
“Personally, I think Elliot Anderson might be better than Rice in three years. It sounds a bit ridiculous to say that now, but Anderson can do everything. It’s entirely possible he could develop into a better player than Rice.”
Despite that assessment, Collymore believes Wharton would still represent a strong option for Liverpool.
“For Liverpool, Adam Wharton would be a good signing. Maybe a 7 or 8 out of 10 signing,” he said. “He’s a quality midfielder, and Liverpool are definitely looking at him.”
AFC Bournemouth midfielder Scott has also been suggested as a possible Liverpool target. Reports indicate Bournemouth would be prepared to sell the England player during the winter window, although the asking price is believed to be about £100 million.
“Scott is an all-around midfielder, not as strong defensively as Anderson, Wharton, or Rice,” Collymore said in an interview with Betfreds.
“He can create chances and is versatile, but I don’t think Liverpool need him. I think his best position is in a more advanced area, and Liverpool don’t need two players in the same position.
“Liverpool need a hardworking midfielder who can perform both offensively and defensively. In my opinion, Wharton is more suitable for this role.”
