Elliot Anderson was sensational for Manchester City against Liverpool last weekend, and Stan Collymore says Andoni Iraola needs to sign someone who can do a similar job

Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore says the Reds should sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton to bolster Andoni Iraola's ranks in January.

During the summer, the Anfield side allowed Curtis Jones to move to Inter Milan without a replacement being brought in, with Trey Nyoni trusted to step up. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai have both also signed contract extensions in recent months, though talks have not been held with Alexis Mac Allister.

"I like Wharton," Collymore said. "He never stops moving and he is a bit similar to Elliot Anderson or Jack Hinshelwood. In that position, obviously Declan Rice is peaking now at Arsenal.

"You need to have a midfielder who has the discipline to sit in front of the back four but is good enough technically to pick the ball up and get the team playing. He has to do all kinds of unseen work, which can make it easier for your front three to perform.

"Wharton has all the abilities to do that and I am surprised he is still at Crystal Palace, but we also have to say that his performances the last 18 months have been up and down. The club has been up and down as well.

"But any club is interested in him and his agent, so I think the deal is that he will leave at the end of the season, maybe already in the January window where someone might make an offer, however the bigger deals usually happen in the summer."

Wharton has been linked with Liverpool before, though he stayed put during the summer just gone. And speculation about a Crystal Palace exit is unlikely to go anywhere soon.

"Do I think he is as good as Elliot Anderson? He is very good on the ball, but I think Anderson has a gear or two more in him," Collymore added.

"Personally, I think Elliot Anderson in maybe three years time will be even better than Declan Rice, which might sound a bit silly right now, but Anderson can do everything. He can grow into becoming better than Rice. He can do anything.

"But for Liverpool, yes, Adam Wharton would be a good signing. Maybe he would be a 7/10 or 8/10 signing. He is a quality midfielder and Liverpool are looking at him for sure."

Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kit

Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has also been put forward as an option for Liverpool in some quarters. Though the Cherries are said to be open to a sale of the England ace in the winter, it would be for $100M or so.

"Scott is an all-round midfielder and he is not as great at going back as Anderson, Wharton or Rice," Collymore, speaking to Betarades, continued.

"He can create chances and he is an all-round midfielder, but I don't think he is needed for Liverpool.

"I think his best position is in that Florian Wirtz area and Liverpool doesn't need two players in the same area. What Liverpool need is a hard-working midfielder who can get the job done both ways. For me, Wharton would be better suited for that."