Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention to Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure in their search for defensive midfielder.
The Reds are in need of a new recruit after unexpectedly selling both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho this summer. Having lost out to Chelsea in the battle for Moises Caicedo, and likely seeing Southampton’s Romeo Lavia also head to Stamford Bridge, Jurgen Klopp’s side have been forced to look for alternative targets.
It has been claimed by The Independent that Liverpool are ‘stepping up’ their interest in Palace’s Doucoure, who is expected to be valued at under £60milllion. Here’s a lowdown on what the young midfielder could bring to Anfield:
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Doucoure, 23, was signed by Palace from Lens for a rising fee of up to €26million last summer. It took little time for the Mali international to settle in at Selhurst Park as he produced an impressive display against Arsenal on his debut.
Speaking about his reasons for coming to England, Doucoure revealed his excitement at learning under former boss Patrick Vieira, as well as the influence of watching Yaya Toure in the Premier League. “I had several conversations with the manager before I joined,” he explained. “It motivated me because he is Patrick Vieira, he played in the same position as me and he is a legend.
“Since I was very young I always dreamed of playing here. I used to watch it and today I’m proud to be playing here. [I used to watch] Yaya Touré! He has always made me hope and motivated me. Because he played in the Premier League I decided to come here also.”
The midfielder won Palace’s player of the season award after making 34 league appearances for the
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