Manchester United and Liverpool were among the clubs credited with interest in the 22-year-old midfielder over the summer, with Manchester City and Chelsea also reported to have shown the most concrete interest when approaches were made late in the window. The Guardian did not name every suitor involved, but described Palace as standing firm throughout.
Crystal Palace have set their asking price for Wharton at more than £100m, according to reports earlier in the window, reflecting his status as one of the most sought-after young midfielders in the Premier League following a season in which he helped the club win the UEFA Conference League. He has been capped by England and was part of Thomas Tuchel's wider plans over the past year, even if he missed out on the World Cup squad.
Manager Pierre Sage, who replaced Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park in the summer after leading Lens to a second-place finish in Ligue 1, said the club had never been under serious pressure to sell.
"The club was strong in the situation, and I think the player is completely on board with that," Sage said of Wharton.
Wharton made 34 Premier League appearances for Palace last season and remains under contract until the summer of 2029, giving the club no obligation to sell before his value potentially increases further.
He arrived at Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 in a deal that could rise to £22m, and has since become a key figure in Palace's midfield, contributing to a run of success that has also included the FA Cup and a Community Shield triumph over Liverpool on penalties.
With Palace now competing in Europe again this season, retaining a player of Wharton's profile will be seen as a significant statement of intent regardless of the specific clubs that made approaches before the deadline.
Palace's ability to hold firm on their prized asset also reflects the financial security brought by their recent run of continental success, giving the club far greater leverage in negotiations than would previously have been the case.