Jurgen Klopp is very keen to see Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure arrive at Anfield before the transfer deadline.
Liverpool want Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure with Jurgen Klopp thought to be a big fan.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has been speaking on the Here We Go Podcast.
Romano claims that Doucoure is one name on Liverpool’s wish list as they seek to sign another midfielder.
Liverpool have added Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo but would seemingly like to sign a younger option to support the 30-year-old.
Fluminense star Andre has been heavily linked but Romano believes that Doucoure is a key name on the wish list.
Romano claims that Liverpool decision-makers – including Jurgen Klopp – rate Doucoure really highly.
However, Palace are adamant that they aren’t losing key players after seeing Wilfried Zaha move on to Galatasaray this summer.
The Eagles have fought hard to keep hold of Michael Olise despite interest from Chelsea and are ready to do the same over Doucoure.
That makes Liverpool’s pursuit very difficult even if Klopp would like to bring the midfielder to Anfield.
“Doucoure is a player who is highly rated by Liverpool,” said Romano. “It’s true that people on the board really appreciate him, and Jurgen Klopp too. The problem is Crystal Palace. That’s why at the moment we can’t mention a proper negotiation between Liverpool and Palace or an advanced negotiation.”
“The appreciation is there, the player is high on the list at Liverpool but Palace, after losing important players, they are really fighting to keep their players at the club. They are really in a position where they don’t want to sell anyone, this is what Crystal Palace are communicating, so it would take a very big proposal to change the situation around Doucoure,” he added.
Liverpool still facing midfield problems amid Cheick Doucore pursuit
Doucoure only joined Palace last summer, leaving Lens for the Premier League as the Eagles struck a deal worth around £21million.
The Malian international has impressed at Palace, thriving as a holding midfield player – which is exactly what Liverpool want.
Palace clearly don’t want to lose Doucoure after just a year at Selhurst Park and they will be in a strong position to demand major money.
That gives Liverpool another problem in what is becoming a rather problematic hunt for a young defensive midfielder.
Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia both joined Chelsea whilst Fluminense are standing firm on their star midfielder Andre.
The Brazilian side don’t want to lose Andre because they are trying to win the Copa Libertadores and Palace aren’t looking to lose Doucoure.
Experienced anchor man Endo has come in but Liverpool would like a younger option too.
No Caicedo, no Lavia, now both Doucoure and Andre look like difficult pursuits… it’s unclear just where Liverpool will be able to find exactly what they want.
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