Have Manchester City identified their ideal long-term transfer target to revamp their midfield?

As Manchester City prepares for this summer's transfer window, it is common knowledge that the club still has one eye on the future. City's capture of Claudio Echeverri underlines this. But have the world champions now found their next long-term transfer target? A new report says City have their eyes on Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton as a long-term target to kickstart their midfield overhaul.

Dom Smith has reported for the Standard that Manchester City have reportedly identified Adam Wharton as a long-term transfer target. Additionally, Smith reports that City are not expected to move to Wharton this summer. Finally, Smith adds that the champions view Wharton as part of their long-term midfield succession planning.

Adam Wharton showed during his brief spell at Crystal Palace that he has the potential to become one of England's best midfielders. After arriving at the club from Blackburn Rovers in January, his quality was immediately evident. Playing at the heart of Crystal Palace's midfield, his immense technical and tactical ability stood out. Wharton is more than competent defensively as a defensive midfielder. But what stands out about Wharton's game is his ability with the ball. He has a wide range of passing abilities and his ability to play an assist is elite for a defensive midfielder. Considering he is only 20 years old, his room for improvement is immense.

It was no surprise to see Wharton chosen in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 24. He is ready to play on the biggest stage and this summer's tournament offers him that opportunity. If Southgate gives him the opportunity to impress, he could put himself on the radar of a host of big clubs this summer.

Manchester City are known for planning their transfer well in advance. The club has an extensive and quality scouting network which it uses to identify players as part of its long-term planning. It's clear why they would have identified Adam Wharton as a player who could be part of an impending Manchester City midfield overhaul. Although it may not be this summer, when City begin to reshape their midfield, that time will come. Players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic have all been getting along for years. The time is coming when the champions will start building the core of the next midfielder. It would not be surprising to see Manchester City move to Wharton in the future to be part of this rebuild.

It's clear why Manchester City would have identified Adam Wharton as a long-term transfer target. The Crystal Palace midfielder has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in England. It wouldn't be surprising to see the champs make a move for Wharton in the not-too-distant future.