Blackburn Rovers will face a battle to keep hold of midfielder Adam Wharton in the New Year, with Newcastle United leading the chase for the youngster, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The 19-year-old has emerged as one of English football’s hottest prospects over the past 12 months and has become a regular this season under Jon Dahl Tomasson. He missed yesterday’s win over Queens Park Rangers after picking up a groin injury against Coventry City, although it is not expected to be serious and should return after the international break.
Knowing what they had on their hands, the Lancashire club tied the teenager down to a long-term deal in 2022 and he is contracted at Ewood Park until 2027. Despite that, he attracted the interest of both Newcastle and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer but opted to remain in the North West.
It is claimed that Wharton was not happy with the deal offered to him by the Magpies in particular, with the Champions League outfit keen to add him to their development squad.
Knowing that he would receive considerably more game time at Blackburn, it was no surprise to see him stay put. However, Nixon states that Newcastle’s scouts have continued to monitor his progress and they will now look to convince him that he could be a part of their first team plans. A January bid is apparently being lined up, whilst there is also interest from fellow Premier League clubs Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Everton.
Wharton has made 33 appearances for Blackburn since his debut in 2022 and he scored his first goal for the club in the 2-1 win over Birmingham City last October.
Writer’s View
Blackburn know that it is only a matter of time before the big boys come knocking for their prized asset, but they will also know that they have the upper hand. The decision to tie him down to a long-term contract last year was a smart one and they could receive a significant war chest from his potential sale.
Jon Dahl Tomasson has had to compete with a small squad this season, and yesterday’s emphatic win was their first league victory in five attempts. Should the likes of Newcastle appear on the radar in January, they will be hoping that they can negotiate a loan for the second half of the season – a move that would benefit all parties.
Head of Writing
