Man City target in-demand Crystal Palace star to kick-start their squad rebuild in January – but the Londoners are prepared to hold out until next summer

Crystal Palace have no intention of selling Adam Wharton in January amid growing interest in the England midfielder.

Manchester City are among the Premier League clubs monitoring Wharton’s situation closely ahead of the winter transfer window.

The 20-year-old’s season has been dogged by a groin injury that eventually required surgery which won’t see him return until Palace’s clash versus Brighton on December 15 at the earliest.

Nevertheless, Wharton is attracting England’s top sides who are ready to test Palace’s resolve to keep the midfielder at the turn of the year.

But Palace are resolved to keep Wharton at Selhurst Park until at least the summer.

It remains to be seen whether an offer way over the club’s valuation of Wharton would change their stance – but Palace will head into January determined to keep their best players as they look to climb clear of relegation danger.

The 20-year-old’s season has been dogged by a groin injury that eventually required surgery 

Crystal Palace are resolved to keep Wharton at Selhurst Park until at least the summer

But even if Wharton stays in January the Eagles know they will face a fight to keep their midfielder ahead of next season as a host of top clubs circle the ball-playing midfielder.

Palace intend to be active in the January window with regards to incomings, with a right-sided defender and attacking midfielder at the top of their shopping list.

Funds are likely to be limited, but there could still be a cash injection if co-owner John Textor can compete the protracted sale of his 45 percent stake in the club.

Investment vehicle Sportsbank, advised by football financier Keith Harris, are hoping to tie up a deal for Textor’s shares and are willing to pump money into the club to boost January’s transfer plans.