Crystal Palace are stepping up their pursuit of Cheick Doucoure with Lens set to bring in a replacement for the Premier League-linked £18 million midfielder, as reported by Foot Mercato.
One of the summer’s longest running transfer sagas appears to be in the final straight.
It’s more than two months since reports emerged claiming that Crystal Palace had entered talks with Doucoure. The Mali international has already agreed personal terms with the Selhurst Park outfit, and Lens are unlikely to stand in his way with Doucoure refusing to extend a contract with just two years remaining.
And while nothing has been made official just yet, it seems only a matter of time.
Crystal Palace hold Cheick Doucoure talks
Foot Mercato claim that Crystal Palace have ‘intensified discussions’ with the Lens bosses. And despite seeing an initial £14 million bid rejected – with Lens holding out for £18 million – Doucoure appears to be one step closer to becoming a Palace player.
Especially after the Ligue 1 surprise packages confirmed the signing of his replacement, Salis Abdul Samed, on a £4 million deal from top-flight rivals Clermont.
“For me, he is one of the best number sixes in Ligue 1,” says Marseille legend Eric Roy.
“He has everything to evolve in this position; An extraordinary football IQ, a fantastic first touch, technical ability and he recovers a lot of balls. And beyond that, he’s a boy with a great mentality, who constantly wants to progress.
“With him, you can’t go wrong.”
Patrick Vieira is reportedly ‘crazy’ about Doucoure, having installed the all-action enforcer as his top summer target. And there’s certainly a touch of the Vieiras about a man renowned for snatching back possession before thundering into the final third with a burst of nitrous-powered acceleration.
Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has already agreed a four-year deal at Palace after leaving West Bromwich Albion. Malcom Ebiowei is en route, too, snubbing Manchester United for the Eagles.
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