Crystal Palace are reportedly ready to fight off Liverpool for Checik Doucoure, with the Eagles having no plans to sell the midfielder this summer.
According to the Evening Standard, the south London side are resigned to losing the Mali international having already lost Wilfried Zaha, though star winger Michael Olise has committed his future to Palace.
As per the report, Liverpool will have to pay as much as £70m if they’re to sign Doucoure this window, a fee the Reds might not be willing to match given that the 23-year-old has spent just one year in England.
With Liverpool close to signing Wataru Endo from VfB Stuttgart, there’s a general exception that the Reds will look to bring in one more midfielder this window.
And Doucoure could be an exceptional candidate, though Palace’s position on the 23-year-old could make a transfer quite hard for Liverpool.
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Moreover, at £70m, Liverpool might believe that there are better options out there in the market, with the Reds linked with numerous players beyond Doucoure.
Liverpool can try their luck for Doucoure
Doucoure is emerging as the most expensive option of Liverpool’s new midfield targets, yet that doesn’t mean the Reds shouldn’t make an attempt for the 23-year-old.
The Mali superstar impressed in his first year in England and could be keen on a move to Anfield, and Liverpool should at least test the waters to test Palace’s resolve.
Although the Eagles have a stern stance on Doucoure, allowing the midfielder to leave for a good fee could be appealing for Palace, with the ball now firmly in Liverpool’s court.