Liverpool urged to swoop for Adam Wharton as Cody Gakpo argument made

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has urged the Reds to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton this summer, while also suggesting the club should reassess their left-wing options

Adam Wharton is being linked with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has been advised to pursue England midfielder Adam Wharton, with Arne Slot also encouraged to explore a new left-wing option in the summer.

The Reds have been linked with numerous players ahead of the end-of-season transfer window, following a disappointing defense of the Premier League title they secured so emphatically last year. Midfield has been identified as an area requiring strengthening, with Alexis Mac Allister reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid and Wataru Endo having struggled for game time before sustaining a serious foot injury earlier this month.

The 22-year-old Crystal Palace player Wharton, who is attracting attention from several top clubs, has been suggested as a potential acquisition by former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey.

"I think Liverpool do need more of a sitting midfielder like Adam Wharton," said Heskey. "I do feel that we need options in there, and I think Wharton gives you that really good option in midfield as a six.

"He's left-footed, so having someone in there that can really dominate, and he's a fantastic passer of the ball too. That's what you need for Liverpool because you're going to get a lot of the ball.

"I think Sandro Tonali is probably a bit too much like what we've already got in (Dominik) Szoboszlai, and then there's Ryan Gravenberch, who I think is more of a runner with the ball, although obviously last season he changed to play more of a six role.

Cody Gakpo has struggled this season(Image: Getty Images)

"You can probably release him a little bit more if you have a Wharton in there. Gravenberch is young and he's got the legs. He can go forward and start stretching them legs a bit rather than having a defensive role."

In conversation with OLBG, Heskey also suggested that the left wing is a position Liverpool should consider strengthening in the summer, given Cody Gakpo's underwhelming form while playing in that role this season.

"Is left wing another area where Liverpool need to look at in the summer? Yeah, I think so," he added.

"I don't think Cody Gakpo has had a great season, to be honest with you.

"I just think I've seen better from him. I don't think he's produced like last season.

"I'm not sure if he's a winger. That's my personal opinion. I think he would probably be better off in a 9 or 10 role. But you're not going to play him at 10 if (Florian) Wirtz is there.

"But again, it all depends on what the manager wants in a winger because I'm so used to wingers being high and wide and hugging the touchline, then being able to go down the line or cut inside, one-two and shoot.

"Gakpo doesn't really do that. I think he's more of an inside winger or number nine."