Blackburn chief explains what it would take for Leeds target to leave this summer

Wharton has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Blackburn, scoring two goals and providing two assists in 22 appearances, establishing himself as a regular in the latter stages of the season.

Broughton explains what it would take for Wharton to leave

A move for Wharton will certainly not come cheap after he put pen-to-paper on a new five-year deal in September 2022.

Rovers have already lost both Ben Brereton Diaz and Bradley Dack for nothing this summer, and so they can ill afford to lose another key player on the cheap if they are to push for the play-offs again.

Broughton said: “Adam has done brilliant. We gave him a five-year contract and he has four years left.

“He has really taken on board the messages that have been given to him by the coaches. That was reflected in his performances at the back end of the season. He has done that brilliantly.

“He is on a long-term contract. He is happy here. And he is a Blackburn boy through and through. Ultimately, we have to be a player-trading club.

“But it’s now up to us, in communication with the player, to decide when is the right time to move. It would take something unbelievable for that to happen this summer with Adam.”

Given Leeds have an abundance of talented young midfielders already at their disposal, spending big money on another could be ill advised.

Leeds are in need of more experience in the squad regardless of the division they are in and the addition of Wharton may just end up blocking the pathway for the likes of Darko Gyabi, Lewis Bate and Archie Gray.

That is not to say they don’t need to add to their options in that position, but perhaps someone older who can help these guys develop would be the better option.

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