Sources: Liverpool must now pay £50m for Doucoure as Chelsea distort pursuit
The asking price for Liverpool target Cheick Doucoure has climbed to £50million in a market distorted by Chelsea and Arsenal deals, sources have told Football Insider.
The Merseysiders have turned their attention to signing the Crystal Palace midfielder as they prepare to complete the sales of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.
Football Insider exclusively revealed Liverpool’s interest in Doucoure, 23, on Monday (17 July) as they shortlist a number of defensive midfield stars.
Liverpool are yet to make an official approach to Palace, but the south London club are braced for contact.
Palace, who signed Doucoure for a reported £21million from Lens last summer, are very keen to keep the player.
They initially valued him at around £35million – but that figure has now climbed, with the market for defensive midfielders completely altered as a result of the British-record Declan Rice deal and the Moises Caicedo saga.
Chelsea have held extensive talks over a deal for Caicedo but Brighton have rejected a £70million offer as they hold out for an £80million-plus fee.
Meanwhile, West Ham and Arsenal eventually settled on a reported £105million fee for Rice after weeks of negotiations.
Liverpool have already wrapped up big-money deals for midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s side are in need of further reinforcements with Fabinho and Henderson set to make the move to Saudi Arabia.
Doucoure, who is under contract until June 2027, made 35 appearances across all competitions for Crystal Palace last season – notching three assists.
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.
In other news, Liverpool willing to accept 32-year-old offer.