Crystal Palace remain tight-lipped on rumours that Liverpool are trying to sign Cheick Doucoure from them.
Doucoure has emerged as a favourable target for the Reds as they try to sort out their problem in defensive midfield.
But according to journalist Sami Mokbel, Palace haven’t given much away when pressed on the Malian’s future. Speaking to The RedmenTV, Mokbel said that their silence may suggest something is in the pipeline.
“I started to make a few more enquiries at the Palace end with regard to Doucoure,” says the reporter. “I must say there was silence, and a lot of secrecy. That usually amounts to one thing: that they are preparing for something to happen. Time will tell, of course.
“We all know that he’s on Liverpool’s radar. That’s not really a secret. It’s just whether Liverpool, once they have a conversation with Palace, believe that in terms of the valuation that they’re not a million miles apart. It may take Liverpool to meet Palace’s valuation of £70-£80m.”
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If Liverpool are going to try and take Doucoure from Palace, then they need to get a move on.
There’s now just 11 full days left of the transfer window, and their need for a defensive midfielder is now greater than ever.
After Alexis Mac Allister’s red card today, the Argentine looks set to miss a chunk of games. With Wataru Endo brought in, his No.6 role should be covered, but there are question marks over Endo’s adaptation to the Premier League.
As Curtis Jones is now injured as well, Liverpool’s midfield options more generally are dwindling.
It would do the world of good to get someone like Doucoure in before next weekend’s game at Newcastle to bolster that.
At this stage of the day, there’s not too much use in haggling for Liverpool. As Mokbel says, they know Palace are looking for £70-80m for the 23-year-old. If they want him now, they’re going to have to pay that.
If they don’t, then the Reds run the risk of being undercooked heading into the rest of the season. Bring Doucoure in, and they’d instantly look stronger. Big few days ahead in this one.