- New Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage expressed confidence that 22-year-old midfielder Adam Wharton will remain at Selhurst Park for another season, despite reported transfer interest from Manchester City.
- Sage highlighted Palace's immediate transfer priorities, emphasising the urgent need to sign a replacement for central defender Maxence Lacroix following his recent departure to Chelsea.
- Manchester City's link to Wharton follows a significant midfield reshuffle, which saw departures including Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Tijjani Reijnders, alongside the £116 million acquisition of Elliot Anderson.
- Sage dismissed rumours of a permanent return for club legend Wilfried Zaha, clarifying that while Zaha is currently using Palace's facilities for private training, he is not expected to sign for the club.
- Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson will undergo a fitness assessment on Friday after sustaining an ankle tweak during a pre-season friendly against Freiburg ahead of Saturday's fixture against Everton.
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