Crystal Palace are at risk of losing Adam Wharton this summer.
The England international is a target for Liverpool as the Reds attempt to rebuild once Mohamed Salah moves on after this dismal season, in which the reigning champions currently sit fifth in the Premier League.
Steve Parish will fight to keep Adam Wharton and is likely to demand a fee upwards of £60m for the former Blackburn playmaker – but the Daily Mail believe a replacement has already been lined up just in case the Crystal Palace No.20 does leave Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace think Kodai Sano can replace Adam Wharton
The Daily Mail have now released a list of 50 players they expect to be stars of the World Cup this summer, adding a bit of information next to each name.
When it comes to Sano, it is said that Crystal Palace are keeping a very close eye on the Japan international, and believe he is capable of replacing Wharton.
NEC Nijmegen value the 22-year-old at a sum of £30m, although the Daily Mail say this could rise if the midfielder shines for Japan at the World Cup.
Sano has been more creative than Wharton – who Yeremy Pino thinks could play for Spain – this season with eight assists in 35 appearances, compared to seven assists in 44 games from the Crystal Palace maestro.
The NEC Nijmegen No.23 is more of a goal threat, however, scoring three while Wharton – who Manchester United also like – is yet to find the net for Crystal Palace.
The Daily Mail add that Crystal Palace already saw a bid for Sano rejected in the winter transfer window, but remain alert to his talent as he approaches the final two years of his contract with NEC Nijmegen.
- Full name: Kodai Sano
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 25 September 2003
- Height: 1.76m (5ft 9in)
- Nationality: Japan
- Place of birth: Tsuyama, Okayama
- Club: NEC Nijmegen
- Position: Central midfielder
