Last week, it was said that Crystal Palace had agreed a deal with RC Lens over the signing of Cheick Doucoure.
An £18m fee was agreed between the two sides, and the 22-year-old was believed to have undergone a medical last Thursday.
However, an official announcement has dragged on, for reasons unbeknownst to us – until now.
What’s the story?
Well, according to Alan Nixon, the south Londoners are still trying to get Doucoure a work permit.
You can see what the respected journalist posted on Twitter below.
Nixon added that it should be more of a formality, rather than something which has the potential to genuinely cause the deal to collapse.
However, you can understand why the Crystal Palace supporters are getting anxious, as it has been nearly a week since the Malian underwent his medical.
Nevertheless, Doucoure is a Mali international at senior level, winning eight caps for his country, which should help him in his mission to obtain a work permit.
Crystal Palace not just signing Cheick Doucoure
In the time between Doucoure’s medical and now, Crystal Palace fans have – at least – had something else to focus on and get excited about.
According to the BBC, Swansea playmaker Flynn Downes is on his way to Selhurst Park, with Joe Allen returning to the Liberty Stadium as his replacement.
Crystal Palace made several bids for the 23-year-old during his time at Ipswich, which led to the player himself handing in a transfer request.
Paul Lambert – manager of the Tractor Boys at the time – even said that the whole ordeal left the midfielder’s brain “fried” after Ipswich rejected a number of bids from the Eagles.
Now, that long-term pursuit looks to be nearing an end, with Patrick Vieira close to signing Downes.
Be sure to keep an eye on both sagas, as Downes could even be announced before Doucoure at this rate.
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