Man City 'swap transfer eye to Crystal Palace' and could give wonderkid

Manchester City's pursuit of Adam Wharton could be boosted by Crystal Palace's growing interest in James McAtee, according to reports. Etihad starlet McAtee, 22, is high on the Eagles' wishlist for the January transfer window and is said to command a fee of around £25million.

The potential move could open the door for Palace central midfielder Wharton to make a move in the opposite direction, the Daily Star reports. The England international, currently sidelined due to injury, costs £60 million after an impressive six-month spell last season at Selhurst Park following his £18 million move from Blackburn.

City boss Pep Guardiola is a big admirer of Wharton, 20, but fears Palace are unwilling to let him leave anytime soon. However, with Palace now considering McAtee, City could agree to negotiate – potentially offering a player-plus-cash deal for Wharton.

The reigning English champions are expected to put at least £35million on the table, alongside academy graduate McAtee, to make that happen when the transfer window opens next month. Whether Wharton is open to a decision remains to be seen.

However, if he feels the south London club are willing to let him leave – for the right price – he could be convinced.