Revealed: Crystal Palace tell Liverpool asking price for Cheick Doucoure
Crystal Palace will demand a fee well in excess of £35million to part with Liverpool target Cheick Doucoure this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (17 July) that the Reds are exploring a potential move for Doucoure, 23, as they prepare to lose Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia.
The sales of both stars are expected to land Liverpool a combined fee of £50million - boosting Jurgen Klopp's summer war chest.
Crystal Palace are expected to drive a hard bargain if the Merseysiders choose to firm up their interest in Doucoure.
The Londoners are desperate to net a big profit on the Mali international after signing him for a reported £21million just last summer (2022).
Football Insider revealed on Monday (17 July) that Liverpool and manager Klopp are keen to add two more midfield signings once exits for Fabinho and Henderson are finalised.
It is believed a replacement for Fabinho in a holding midfield role is seen as a must - and Doucoure is one potential option who fits that mould.
He beat the likes of Marc Guehi and Michael Olise to win Palace’s Player of the Season award last term - his first season in English football.
As per FBRef, the 12-cap Mali star notched more tackles and interceptions than any other Palace player – and averaged the fourth-most interceptions of any Premier League star (per 90 mins).
Doucoure, who is under contract until June 2027, made 35 appearances across all competitions for the Eagles - notching three assists.
Liverpool have already completed deals for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in the transfer window.
The Reds will play Europa League football in the 2023-24 campaign after finishing fifth last term.