So far, Palace's valuation has proved to be a major deterrent, while the player has not agitated for a move.
Palace have shown little appetite to negotiate and, after seeing the market shift dramatically this summer, have even greater confidence in Wharton's value.
The £116 million deal that took Elliot Anderson to Manchester City has only strengthened Palace's belief that their midfielder belongs in the same price bracket - given his age, Premier League pedigree and long-term potential. That price has already forced some clubs to look elsewhere.
Tottenham Hotspur admired Wharton earlier in the window but instead completed deals for Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.
Manchester City have also tracked Wharton, but after landing Anderson, their midfield priorities have shifted towards younger prospects, with Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernández currently seeming higher on their shortlist.
Manchester United remain admirers of the England midfielder but have strengthened with the additions of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. While they are still expected to recruit another central midfielder, Wharton is not currently among the deals they are actively pursuing. Largely, that is due to his market value.
Arsenal have been mentioned but as they pursue Bruno Guimaraes, Liverpool and Chelsea are seen as the most likely threats to Palace's hopes of keeping hold of one of their prized assets. Interest from abroad may also test the player's loyalty.
Liverpool are still searching for another central midfielder, and several factors could make Wharton an attractive option. There is a belief that the former Blackburn Rovers player, who grew up in Lancashire, would be particularly interested in a move back to the north-west when the time eventually comes to leave Selhurst Park.
Liverpool could also have space to strengthen if Curtis Jones departs before the transfer window closes, potentially creating an opening in Arne Slot's squad.
Chelsea certainly admire the player but it is unclear whether they will make a move for a midfielder of this level. Much could depend on whether they manage to hold on to Argentina international Fernandez.
Outside of England, there is also a possibility Real Madrid will move for him. They have had eyes on Chelsea's Fernandez, as well as Manchester City's Rodri, but they very much admire Wharton and a move for him would not be a total surprise.
Wharton missed out on Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad, but that decision reflects the manager's preferences rather than any doubts over the midfielder's quality or long-term international prospects.
Palace, meanwhile, remain determined to keep him for at least one more season.
With Europa League football to look forward to following last season's Europa Conference League triumph, the club see Wharton as a central figure in what could be one of the most important campaigns in their recent history.
However, as clubs assess their priorities and the market continues to evolve, Wharton remains one of the standout midfielders who could yet spark one of the biggest transfer sagas before the window closes.
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Dean Jones is a transfer news and football insider for Flashscore, since 2025. He has been a journalist on leading UK newspapers and websites over the past 20 years, establishing himself as an authoritative and trusted voice in the industry.
