'North of £80m'- PL rivals expected to demand ‘Rice-style’ fee for Tottenham summer target

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Aaryan Choksi | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 6:08 AM ET

Tottenham want to bolster their midfield options by bringing in Adam Wharton in the summer

Tottenham have put their foot on the pedal and turned up their speed as the club looks to bolster the squad for next season. After a slow start to the summer, Daniel Levy has suddenly shifted gears and wants to conclude the business before the Lilywhites leave for pre-season games. The fans will also be glad to see that the North London club is finally addressing the issues on the pitch.

There is a clear need to bolster the quality of the midfield for next season. Thomas Frank relies on his midfielders for build-up play, and there is a strong possibility that having Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr as midfield options for next season might not work out for the Danish tactician. Both players are not comfortable on the ball, and they also lack the technical intelligence to start week in week out under the ex-Brentford boss.

So, Daniel Levy needs to bring in a ‘number six’ that would carry the ball to the final third of the pitch, as well as, help in covering up spaces left behind by other players. A perfect profile that would suit this system would be technically proficient, and drop deep between the defenders to receive the ball and lure in the opposition players to make space for his teammates.

Tottenham are targeting Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton

There is no surprise that Tottenham are looking to target Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton for next season. The England international is a perfect fit at N17 under Thomas Frank. And he can develop his game to new levels at Hotspur Way under the watchful eyes of the Danish tactician. However, the Eagles are expected to demand a hefty fee for the 21-year-old, as they have no intentions of losing the talented midfielder.

Writing on his Ranks FC Ultras Patreon Page, journalist Dean Jones has reiterated the same regarding Adam Wharton’s future. Jones said,

“Tottenham like Adam Wharton a lot. But Crystal Palace are playing hardball. We’re talking a valuation that could go north of £80 million. Palace believe there’s no reason they shouldn’t aim for a Rice-style fee after what West Ham pulled off a couple of years back. And to be fair… they might have a point.”

Dean Jones believes Tottenham are keen to sign Adam Wharton, but Crystal Palace are expected to pull out all stops to keep hold of the 21-year-old. The journalist also adds that the Eagles’ valuation for Wharton is ‘north of £80m.’ And the South London club is expected to demand a ‘Rice-style’ fee for the England international, due to his immense talent and high ceiling.

Signing Adam Wharton might not be as easy as it sounds. The 21-year-old has made massive waves since making the switch to Selhurst Park, and Crystal Palace will not be in a hurry to cash-in on him. However, bringing in the ex-Blackburn star would instantly elevate the quality of the Spurs midfield. He would also be a signing that could define the next decade at Hotspur Way.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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