Crystal Palace are accelerating their talks to sign RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure this summer, with a 20m euro deal edging closer as per reports in France.
Patrick Vieira began a new era at Selhurst Park last summer, removing much of the old guard favoured by Roy Hodgson and instead bringing in and nurturing youth prospects, which has yielded rewards with the likes of Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise all showing great promise as the south London side finished 12th last season.
Marc Guéhi has excelled since he arrived from Stamford Bridge last summer, earning an England debut in the process (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images).
However, the Eagles are set to lose loanee Conor Gallagher, whose performances have probably priced him out of a permanent return to Selhurst Park and instead have perhaps fast-tracked him into Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel’s plans for next season.
As a result, Palace need a replacement, and have identified impressive Lens talent Cheick Doucoure as just the man for the job. The 22-year-old midfielder racked up 34 appearances for the Ligue 1 side last campaign, starring alongside Seko Fofana in the Lens engine room.
And despite a discrepancy in the fee demanded and offered between the two clubs, it seems as though the pair are now getting closer to a deal being struck, with French outlet Foot Mercato reporting that Palace have increased their offer closer to the 20m euros demanded by Lens.
Where else do Palace need to strengthen?
Midfield is the key area of focus for Vieira’s side this summer, but it is by no means the only one.
The Eagles are also interested in strengthening in the full-back areas, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka one of those mooted with a move to Selhurst Park.
Meanwhile, they are also in the hunt for a forward, though this may be a more protracted chase.
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