Jon Dahl Tomasson has confirmed Blackburn Rovers have rejected a bid for Adam Wharton and that he would like to retain his services until at least the summer.
The Eagles have made a formal offer for the teenage midfielder which has been rebuffed by Rovers. It's unclear whether they will return or what the club's valuation is.
Tomasson has admitted he expects Wharton to leave Blackburn Rovers for the Premier League but would prefer for a deal to take place in the summer.
The head coach is relaxed about the situation and knows there will be offers in the summer too, should Rovers stand firm in January.
READ MORE: Rovers reject Adam Wharton bid
"It is my understanding that the club has rejected the offer," Tomasson said.
"You know what I think about Adam. He was a boy when I came here and I saw his talent immediately, it's nice to see his development each season.
"He's not the finished article yet but on the ball, he is Champions League level, I have trained and played there, I know what is needed. At the same time, he's developed a lot definitely.
"One day, he will go away, we know that, with his quality. I think it is good that the club have turned the offer down. It needs to be the right market value.
"If I was a Premier League manager, I would buy him immediately as well. When you talk about the players that have gone away in the market, the number of games, the quality, you know what the club should receive.
"Crystal Palace have been very proactive in trying to do it in the winter. Adam is a Rovers man, we can't forget that.
"One day he will go away and Rovers fans should be proud of him and enjoy him. At the end of the day, I think this part of football.
"There will be a lot of clubs coming, even in the summer. It is difficult in the winter compared to the summer. I think they will be knocking on the door in the summer."
Tomasson also confirmed that any deal for Wharton would include a loan deal for him to stay at Ewood Park this season.
"If I have understood the club correctly, if they did sell him for the right amount they would want to loan him back immediately," Tomasson explained.
"The club has said no so far and I think that's good. That is what the club has told me.
"The January market is always difficult, there will be fewer options. What can the club spend? I don't know. If you want to change something, this is a good opportunity, you can also do it in the summer.
"I know he will probably be going away, we would love to see Adam in the Premier League for Rovers, but if it isn't going to happen then the next best thing is he going to a big club that play great football and we can make a lot of money.
"That's then a real opportunity to use that money and have a go."
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