Spurs face competition in race to sign Championship midfielder

Tottenham Hotspur welcome Manchester City to North London in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday evening. 

The competition represents Spurs’ last realistic chance of silverware this season, while Pep Guardiola’s side will be hoping to retain the cup having beaten rivals Manchester United in the final last season.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has been boosted by the arrivals of both Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin so far this month, and the pair could both make their home debuts against City on Friday.

It appears, though, that the Lilywhites could miss out on one of their top transfer targets.

As per Football Insider, fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace are determined to beat Tottenham to the signing of Blackburn Rovers youngster Adam Wharton.

It is claimed that the Eagles have already had an offer of around £18.5 million for the 19-year-old midfielder rejected by Rovers.

Wharton has attracted interest from both Tottenham and Crystal Palace

Wharton is a product of Blackburn’s youth academy and plays in the first team alongside older brother Scott.

The midfielder has been impressive ever since breaking into the first team last season, and recently made his 50th senior appearance for his boyhood club.

Last time out, Wharton scored to earn Blackburn an important 1-1 draw against Huddersfield Town in the Championship.

Despite having their opening offer for the player rejected, the report claims that Palace remain keen on the idea of signing Wharton and will continue to attempt to do so before the transfer window shuts next week.

Tottenham also remain interested in the teenager, but Championship side Blackburn value the player at around £25 million.

Last month, the midfielder signed a new long-term contract with Blackburn that is set to run until 2028.

Wharton has also been capped by England at Under-20 level.