Crystal Palace have approached Cheick Doucoure’s representatives over a move but face competition from Wolfsburg for the Lens midfielder.
According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Crystal Palace are interested in bringing Cheick Doucoure to Selhurst Park, as Patrick Vieira wants key changes to his midfield setup. Wolfsburg are also keen on signing the 22-year-old Lens midfielder, with both clubs reaching out to the player’s entourage in recent days.
Crystal Palace fans are in an optimistic mood after a good season thus far. Over the years, under many managers, particularly Roy Hodgson, they have displayed a more pragmatic style than an exciting one, for they lacked the right system and players.
Patrick Vieira’s arrival in the summer has changed their identity, and Crystal Palace tend to play exciting football with attacking intent. After a positive summer transfer window last year, the manager is again looking at improving his squad, with the midfield department at the forefront of his thoughts.
As a start, Crystal Palace would like to keep Conor Gallagher beyond his loan spell, although the midfielder will come at a huge price. Secondly, Vieira is keen on signing a new holding midfielder to occupy the No. 6 spot, currently marshalled by Cheikhou Kouyate.
The Senegalese star has done well this season, but upgrades are needed. The new signing could either be a starter or an able deputy, who can eventually take over from Kouyate.
Crystal Palace are linked with Tottenham star Harry Winks, who is finding it difficult to get into the side since Rodrigo Bentancur’s arrival in January. At the same time, they are also looking to move for Cheick Doucoure, the 22-year-old Lens midfielder, who has shown a lot of promise.
Doucoure plays in the holding midfield role and controls the game’s tempo. The midfielder’s performances in front of a back-four have attracted Vieira’s attention. The 22-year-old could bring a sense of control to Crystal Palace in the central areas, which Kouyate cannot always offer.
Crystal Palace will have to compete with Wolfsburg along for the Lens midfielder. As per Fabrice Hawkins, both clubs have contacted Doucoure’s representatives over a move, merely to understand what it may take the Malian away from the French side.
Lens confirmed they have not received any offers so far for Doucoure. The Ligue 1 side could brace themselves for proposals in the summer, and they might be tempted to cash in for the midfielder with two years left on his deal.
Crystal Palace may be a good choice for Doucoure to begin his Premier League journey, as this is a progressive team with an exciting manager. He could also choose Wolfsburg, where game-time could be a guarantee, although the lure of England could trump a switch to the Bundesliga.
