Crystal Palace will likely keep hold of Liverpool target Cheick Doucoure as the Merseysiders are not about to lodge a formal offer.
According to the Evening Standard, Liverpool could miss out on Cheick Doucoure amid Crystal Palace’s huge asking price. The Mali international emerged as a viable target for Jurgen Klopp, who may not approach the £70 million-rated midfielder before the deadline.
Crystal Palace will likely keep hold of Cheick Doucoure despite heavy interest in the £70 million-rated midfielder this late in the window. The London side did not want to lose the holding midfielder at this stage, as they considered him a vital part of their team.
Doucoure emerged as a viable target after Liverpool missed out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, with both midfielders eventually joining Chelsea. Palace placed a £70 million price tag on the Malian international to fend off suitors.
The trick may have worked in their favour as Liverpool, despite reports of an imminent offer, will not pursue the midfielder anymore. Jurgen Klopp desperately wanted a new holding midfielder in his squad, and it may appear the signing of Wataru Endo would signal closure to that position.
Liverpool remained in contact with Doucoure over a potential move, but that may happen if they retain an interest in future windows. The Reds have now approached Bayern Munich for Ryan Gravenberch, but the Dutchman is not a defensive midfielder by trade.
The Reds have lost considerable players with immense experience, who were the bedrock of some successful teams in recent years. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho left for a new Saudi adventure, and Klopp knows he has not sufficiently replaced the duo in his squad.
With the transfer window ending in two days, Palace will switch their attention towards keeping some of their other notable stars. The London side knows clubs could still approach Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi. Credible reports suggest the duo, like Doucoure, are content at the club and may stay put.
If Palace manages to keep hold of their top players, they should consider this window a glowing success. Having managed to retain Michael Olise earlier in the summer amid interest from Chelsea, this team could aspire for big things with Doucoure, Guehi and Eze in their squad.
