City have enquired about Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, but have been told the England international is not for sale.
City have been linked with Wharton throughout the summer as Enzo Maresca continues to reshape his midfield.
According to a tabloid, City have now contacted Palace about a possible move for the 22-year-old.
The response from Selhurst Park was emphatic, with Palace rejecting the approach and making it clear they do not intend to sell Wharton before the transfer window closes.
It is a significant development after previous reports had largely centred on City’s interest in the former Blackburn Rovers midfielder.
Palace make Wharton position clear
Wharton joined Palace from Blackburn in February 2024 and has since established himself as an England international and one of the Premier League’s most highly rated young midfielders.
His contract runs until 2029, meaning Palace are under little immediate pressure to sell.
Wharton has also indicated that he expects to remain at Selhurst Park this season, despite continued speculation over his future.
City have been assessing midfield options during a summer of considerable change to Maresca’s squad.
Wharton has been joined by the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Alex Scott among the midfielders linked with the Etihad.
It is not yet clear whether City will make another attempt to sign Wharton before the deadline.
Palace’s position, however, appears straightforward: they do not want to sell.
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