Liverpool Stepping Up Chase for Crystal Palace Star Cheick Doucoure
Liverpool Football Club is intensifying its efforts to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure, according to reports. The Merseyside club recently missed out on their primary targets, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who both opted to join their Premier League rivals Chelsea. This has left manager Jurgen Klopp facing a shortage of defensive midfield options. However, it appears that Klopp has come up with a plan to address this issue.
The Independent reports that Liverpool has increased its pursuit of Doucoure from Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace could potentially demand a fee of up to £60 million for the services of the Mali international. The club is experiencing a number of outgoings this summer, including the departures of Wilfried Zaha to Galatasaray, Michael Olise triggering his release clause to join Chelsea, and Tottenham showing interest in Eberechi Eze.
Last month, Mail Sport revealed that Doucoure had emerged as a top midfield candidate for Liverpool as they undergo a rebuild. The midfielder has proven to be a key player for Crystal Palace since joining the club from Lens for £18 million last summer. He had a stellar debut season in the Premier League and even won the Crystal Palace F.C. Player of the Year award just a few months ago.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Doucoure comes after missing out on both Caicedo and Lavia, who opted to sign for Chelsea instead. Lavia, a Belgian international playing for Southampton, is expected to undergo a medical with the London club today. Chelsea has reached a £58 million agreement with Southampton for Lavia’s transfer.
Although Crystal Palace has already acquired central midfielder Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer from Bournemouth, they would likely reinforce their midfield further if Doucoure is sold.
Liverpool has already made some midfield signings this summer with the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. However, with the potential departures of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, and possibly Jordan Henderson, Klopp recognizes the urgent need to bolster his midfield options.
In conclusion, Liverpool is stepping up its chase for Cheick Doucoure from Crystal Palace as they aim to address their defensive midfield requirements. Crystal Palace could demand a significant fee for the Mali international, who has been a standout performer for the club. Liverpool has been working on rebuilding their midfield this summer and has already made some signings. However, the potential departures of several midfielders necessitate further reinforcements.
