Tottenham identify Wharton as ‘key’ signing over Tonali and Fernandes

Tottenham’s summer business has already grabbed plenty of headlines, but their work in the transfer market is far from over.

Much of the attention in recent days has focused on Sandro Tonali and the growing belief that Spurs are willing to make a major bid to bring the Newcastle midfielder to north London.

Roberto De Zerbi is known as a fan of Tonali and has followed the Italian development for years, since his time at Sassuolo (BBC).

Reports from Italy have suggested that Tottenham are willing to push their finances to the limit in a bid to make a deal happen, and the club’s interest appears to be genuine and ambitious.

Fabrizio Romano broke the news earlier this week that Spurs have entered the race for the 26-year-old, despite competition from Arsenal, Man United and Man City.

Tonali is believed to be very keen on the move to N17, mainly because of the De Zerbi factor, with the two men coming from the same town in Italy.

Alfredo Pedulla has even reported that the pair have already held direct talks about Tonali joining Tottenham, but De Zerbi’s side may have to pay up to £100 million.

The former AC Milan star reportedly earns around £150,000-a-week, so the deal could be Spurs’ most expensive move ever.

However, there is more.

According to late night reports from the likes of David Ornstein and Ben Jacobs, Tottenham could actually sign a number of top midfielders this summer.

Indeed, it is now believed that West Ham star Mateus Fernandes is on their radar again, and Ornstein confirms that the Portuguese is being targeted for a completely different deal to Tonali.

With Fernandes valued at £85 million, Spurs could now end up splashing £200m just to bolster their defensive options in midfield alone.

If both of these steps come to fruition, it would be a huge statement of support for De Zerbi.

Yet despite all the focus on Tonali and Fernandes, another midfielder is emerging as an equally important target behind the scenes.

Tottenham identify Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as ‘important’

According to Flashscore reporter Dean Jones, Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is considered a ‘very important’ signing by Tottenham.

In fact, Jones’ report suggests that the England international is a player Spurs would like to bring to the club if the conditions allow.

That’s an important claim given the attention currently directed at Tonali and Fernandes, and it underscores just how highly regarded Wharton is in football circles.

The former Blackburn Rovers midfielder has enjoyed a remarkable rise since moving to Selhurst Park.

What looked like a smart signing quickly developed into one of the best recruitment deals in the Premier League.

Wharton has established himself as a key player for Palace thanks to his maturity, technical quality and intelligence, and was unlucky to miss out on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad.

Even at such a young age, he already plays with the ease of a very experienced midfielder.

Liverpool are also believed to be monitoring the situation, with Jones reporting that they intend to explore a deal to sign him to new manager Andoni Iraola.

All this said, Palace have no desire to lose one of their most important players on the cheap, and will want around £100 million in this very crowded midfield market.

For Tottenham, that creates an interesting dilemma.

The club is simultaneously exploring moves for Tonali and Fernandes while keeping Wharton firmly on their radar.

All three players will improve the squad, but they offer different strengths and come with similar financial challenges.

What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that Spurs want more than one big midfielder before the window closes.