Liverpool plan to accelerate their pursuit of Cheick Doucoure after losing two of their other top midfield targets recently.
According to Miguel Delaney of the Independent, Liverpool are set to press ahead with a move for Cheick Doucoure. The Merseysiders have failed in pursuing two of their top midfield targets recently, and there is a desperation to bring in a holding midfielder before the transfer deadline.
Liverpool have endured one of the most challenging periods in the transfer market in the Jurgen Klopp era in the last ten days or so. The Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia sagas have drained the supporters of the joy they had to look forward towards the season ahead.
After losing Caicedo to Chelsea in dramatic circumstances, the Blues dealt another blow by agreeing to a deal for Lavia. The latter became Klopp’s top target, and they have chased the Belgian for an extended period, only to see him join their rivals.
Liverpool fans argue the club should have paid Southampton’s £50 million asking price earlier. Chelsea eventually took advantage, albeit paying more for the Belgian midfielder with the final fee of around £58 million.
They had earlier earmarked Cheick Doucoure as an alternative to Lavia if they failed to sign the Belgian. Liverpool seems desperate to land a new holding midfielder before the transfer deadline, and the Malian could fit their bill.
Doucoure only signed with Crystal Palace last summer, and amid links to Liverpool earlier, the London side reportedly wanted over £65 million. The price tag may have increased already, considering Klopp’s side have shown their hand on how much they were willing to spend on a new midfielder.
In his report, Miguel Delaney insists the price could fall under the £60 million mark. Palace have no reason to accept a bid below their valuation of the 23-year-old Premier League midfielder. Such a scenario could add a new layer of complication for Liverpool.
The report claims Liverpool are set to press ahead with a move for Doucoure and might even keep the negotiations short. Allowing the sale of the 23-year-old Premier League midfielder would come as another blow for Palace. They are on the verge of losing Michael Olise to Chelsea.
Liverpool are also considering a move for Sofyan Amrabat, but talks are yet to occur between parties. The Moroccan international could become an option if the Reds show reluctance to meet Crystal Palace’s asking price for Doucoure.
