Adam Wharton joins Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have signed one of England's most highly rated young prospects in agreeing a deal today for Adam Wharton from Blackburn Rovers. Wharton has been earmarked for a potential full England international role in the future, and Palace have shown their trust in the youngster after splashing £22 million to sign the midfielder.

Wharton departed his boyhood club to move to the Eagles, and will be hoping to repay the faith shown in him to help Palace to Premier League survival.

On agreeing his move, Wharton told the club's website: “It’s a great feeling – I've always wanted to play in the Premier League. To play for a such a big club like Crystal Palace is a great honour.

“It’s something that I think nearly every kid who plays football dreams of. It’s the best league in the world. I'm really looking forward to it and I can’t wait.

"Crystal Palace – the way they have brought players from the Championship and developed them into world-class players in the Premier League. That’s something that stood out to me and it’s a big reason why I wanted to come here."

Wharton can play anywhere in central midfield and will be hoping to provide new manager Ray Hodgson with some tough selection decisions.