Blackburn Rovers are on the verge of finalizing a deal to sell their promising midfielder, Adam Wharton, to Crystal Palace as the January transfer deadline approaches.
According to The Lancashire Telegraph, Wharton, who has been with Blackburn since his youth, is expected to make a move to the Premier League side before the end of the transfer window. Speculation about his future led to him being left on the bench as an unused substitute in a recent match against Wrexham AFC.
Manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has acknowledged the possibility of Wharton's departure and has indicated that the club would support him if a suitable transfer fee is agreed upon. Despite preferring to sell in the summer, Tomasson anticipates Wharton leaving sooner rather than later, believing in the player's potential to represent England in the future.
The reported deal with Crystal Palace is unlikely to involve a loan arrangement, meaning Wharton would join their Premier League squad directly without returning to Ewood Park for the remainder of the season.
With the impending sale of Wharton, Blackburn Rovers are set to reinvest the funds to strengthen their squad. Priority positions for new signings include a forward and an experienced center-back. While the club aims to be prudent in their spending, the sale provides an opportunity to pursue targets higher up on their list.
Although Nat Phillips, a defensive target, has opted to join Cardiff City instead, Blackburn Rovers have alternative options in mind. Among them is Duncan McGuire, a forward from Orlando City, for whom reports suggest a £2.3 million fee has been agreed.
Additionally, Blackburn has shown interest in Jerry Yates, but a potential deal with Swansea hinges on the permanency of the transfer, which could now be facilitated by the financial boost from Wharton's sale. Supporters can expect new faces to arrive at Ewood Park as Blackburn Rovers look to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes.