BLUES JOIN CHASE AS REAL MADRID EYE ADAM WHARTON
Real Madrid and Chelsea are set for a 2026 transfer battle over Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. The £100m-rated midfielder is a top target for both clubs, with Los Blancos seeking a long-term replacement for Toni Kroos.
Real Madrid and Chelsea compete for Premier League midfield standout - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Real Madrid is undoubtedly preparing for a transformative summer in 2026.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Antonio Rudiger's and David Alaba's futures, the team has already sought a number of defenders.
In a similar vein, the team is searching for new midfield players. Coach Xabi Alonso is especially interested in finding a defensive midfielder to take Toni Kroos' place.
In light of this, Adam Wharton has become one of Real Madrid's main targets, particularly since the team lost out on Martin Zubimendi in the summer of last year.
It will not be easy to sign the Englishman, though. If his skyrocketing price tag was not enough, Real Madrid will have to contend with fresh competition for Wharton's services come summertime.
Real Madrid and Chelsea will compete for Wharton.
Chelsea has reportedly entered the competition to sign Adam Wharton ahead of the 2026 summer transfer season, according to rumors from England that AS has received.
The Crystal Palace player is the ideal fit for the Blues' midfield needs because of his technical skill and ability to circulate the ball.
He is also a key target for Real Madrid because of these attributes. Los Blancos, who are unlikely to spend a lot of money on Wharton, will not benefit from a possible bidding war with Chelsea.
In the summer, the Crystal Palace player will not be available for much less than £100 million.
Therefore, Real Madrid needs to come up with a solid list of options in case they are unable to sign the Crystal Palace star come summertime.
Real Madrid will undoubtedly attempt to use their reputation to persuade Wharton to turn down Chelsea at the same time. There is no reason why it should not occur again next summer, as it has happened numerous times in the past.
KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL REVEALS EVERTON PLANS AND PERSONAL GUILTY PLEASURE FANS LOVE
Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall says the club's passionate fanbase is "on a different level." The midfielder is determined to be at the forefront of the new project and bring success back to Goodison Park.
Dewsbury-Hall shares Everton aspirations - COURTESY/PHOTO
As he described his resolve to restore the club to its former glory, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall stated that the magnitude and fervour of the Everton fan base "is on another level."
In his one season at Chelsea, the 27-year-old won the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, but he maintains that the atmosphere among Blues fans is different.
When asked what makes Everton unique, Dewsbury-Hall responded, "The feeling of the club," during an interview with the club's website's 24/7 series. I am not really sure how to describe it, but it feels like a true family club.
Since football is my life, and it seems to be theirs as well, I adore the large fan base and the significance it holds for the populace. We are somewhat in agreement.
Their intense desire to win and their love for it strike a chord with me since that is how I live my life. I do not mean that the other teams were not like that, but Everton seemed to be on a higher plane.
“Imagine playing for Everton when you are striving for things and wanting to win things,” I asked someone I spoke to the other day.
It must be among the greatest spots to play. That is what I want to talk about since it would be a great feeling to see how supportive the fans are, especially during difficult times. Just think about when things are a little better.
When the Scot first rejoined the team in January, Dewsbury-Hall was on manager David Moyes' radar. However, he is certain that he made the right decision after spending £25 million to sign him in August. "After a successful season, I did have a fair few options," he remarked. If I were to leave a club like Chelsea, I wanted to go to a new project, a new stadium, an exciting future, and plans, according to a lot of people I spoke to, including family members, people I trust, and people at Everton.
That is what I intended to lead the charge on. I consider that to be a crucial period in a club's history if I am at the beginning of this new chapter.
"The manager I spoke with was excellent. He gave me a detailed explanation of his expectations of me and his goals for the future. I greatly admire him because of what he has accomplished. I believe that he and I are alike.
Thus, it felt natural. Because of the excellent treatment I have received and that of my family, I have known since the moment I walked through the door that this was the perfect choice.
It is good that it happened because it has confirmed to me that I made the proper choice and has made me enthusiastic about what we may accomplish going forward. I am excited just to come in every day, keep getting better, and watch what happens.
"The one thing you want in life is a reason to do something," the former Leicester City academy graduate, who was responsible for cleaning N'Golo Kante's boots during the Foxes' unexpected 5,000/1 title-winning season in 2015–16, continued. I think I have that right here.
"The team has had a few more difficult years. However, there is a real sense that more people are working toward a prosperous future.
I simply could not give down the significant potential I have to make a difference in that. I am not the kind of player who could have stayed at my old club and merely followed the rules; it fits with my aspirations.
Since it is not in my DNA, I was not willing to do it. I want to play a significant role in something, and this project is ideal. If we do the right things, I do not doubt that the next several years will be fascinating.
Away from his day job, the Nottingham-born player disclosed that his other sporting interests include snooker, golf, and darts. However, he also has a passion for musical theatre, which would resonate with the late chairman of Everton, Bill Kenwright, if not many of his fellow professional football players. That is probably my 'guilty pleasure,' as you describe it," Dewsbury-Hall remarked. I am a huge fan of West End productions and musicals.
I used to go and watch my better half when she was enrolled in a performing arts institution. It most likely began when I used to watch my mother and aunt dance when I was a little child.
When asked if he had ever tried his hand at acting, he said, "Perhaps once I retire? Maybe I will try it. Even when I am simply watching it, I get really enthused about it for some reason. Never say never!
TOTTENHAM SEND SCOUTS TO MONITOR 23-YEAR-OLD MAGHNES AKLIOUCHE
Tottenham are tracking AS Monaco playmaker Maghnes Akliouche. Spurs sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old French international and may make a winter move to bolster their attacking options for the season.
Scouts report Tottenham interest in French international - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly interested in Maghnes Akliouche, according to a report from TEAMtalk. During the winter transfer window, the Lilywhites are eager to add a versatile attacker to strengthen their offensive unit. Thus, the North London team has made the 23-year-old AS Monaco playmaker their aim.
The Frenchman is still being watched by the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League champions, who recently dispatched scouts to keep an eye on him during France’s World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine. A winter bid might be imminent after Akliouche made a strong cameo off the bench.
Maghnes Akliouche's career
Since making his debut in the first team at AS Monaco, Maghnes Akliouche has emerged as one of Ligue 1's top young talents. The 23-year-old, who is from Tremblay-en-France, spent his early years there until graduating from AS Monaco's youth tier. Since he enjoyed his breakthrough in the 2023–2024 campaign, the youthful player has not looked back.
Akliouche has already made more than 100 games for AS Monaco, contributing 20 assists and 19 goals. European powerhouses have taken notice of the French playmaker's development, which has helped him establish himself with his country. Tottenham Hotspur is one of the potential suitors fighting for his signature coming into the winter transfer window, but Premier League teams are especially interested in signing him.
Tottenham Hotspur has had their eye on Maghnes Akliouche for a while. During the summer transfer window, the North London club attempted to sign the AS Monaco prospect, but the deal fell through. It seems logical that the Lilywhites are still interested in adding a dynamic attacker to strengthen their offensive unit.
Since Tottenham is already dominating Akliouche this season, the North London team has made him a desirable target. When France played Ukraine in a World Cup qualifying match this week, the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League champions once more dispatched scouts to keep an eye on the 23-year-old Frenchman.
Tottenham has not officially made Akliouche their primary priority, though, as the North London team is still deciding who they will prioritise signing during the winter transfer window. It will be intriguing to observe the French international's future.