Eagles land promising midfielder Wharton from Blackburn

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of highly-rated midfielder Adam Wharton from Blackburn.

Wharton, 19, has signed a five-and-a-half year deal at Selhurst Park after catching the eye in the Championship for Rovers.

The Eagles have reportedly paid an £18million fee for the coveted youngster, which could eventually rise to £22m.

He told the club's official site: "I've always wanted to play in the Premier League and to play for such a big club like Crystal Palace is a great honour. 

"The way they've brought players from the Championship and developed them into world-class players in the Premier League is something that stood out to me. 

"And it's a big reason why I wanted to come here."

Wharton quickly became a key man after signing his first professional contract with boyhood Blackburn in May 2022, with the teenager named their Young Player of the Season in his maiden campaign last term.

The England Under-20s international continued to thrive at Ewood Park during the current season, racking up 29 appearances in all competitions and scoring twice.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish added: "I'm delighted that Adam, a player whose rapid development we have followed closely, has decided to join us at Crystal Palace. 

"Adam's consistently impressive performances for Blackburn at such a young age have understandably caught the eye of many a club.

"But we believe Palace to be — as has so often been the case in recent years — the perfect place to harness his undoubted potential. 

"And we look forward to working with him in the years ahead to do so."