Liverpool have a ‘real’ interest in Cheick Doucoure, but will have to pay a’reasonably significant amount’ to entice Crystal Palace to sanction a move to Anfield, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
After bringing in Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer for £35 million and £60 million, respectively, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is looking to bring in further reinforcements.
Following Doucoure’s appearance on Liverpool’s radar, Palace will not accept proposals worth less than £70 million, according to MailOnline.
According to the source, the 23-year-old, who made 35 appearances last season, is a clear target for Klopp, and the Eagles are ready for an inquiry.
Doucoure is said to have been added to Liverpool’s long list of midfield targets as Jordan Henderson and Fabinho prepare to head to Saudi Arabia.
However, the Merseyside giants are up against the reigning Ligue 1 winners, Paris Saint-Germain, who have also entered the fight for the Mali international’s signature.
Palace are in a strong negotiation position since Doucoure’s contract, which pays him £60,000 per week, has four years left on it.
It means the south Londoners are under no need to lower their asking price for the defensive midfielder, who arrived in a £21 million deal from French club Lens just a year ago.
What did Ben Jacobs have to say about Doucoure?
Liverpool, according to Jacobs, are considering testing Palace’s resolve, although there are doubts that a deal for Doucoure will be impossible to complete.
The respected journalist believes the Eagles will not decrease their asking price since the defensive midfielder is seen as an important element of Roy Hodgson’s squad heading into the upcoming 2023/24 season.
“The Liverpool interest is genuine,” Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT, “but I believe Crystal Palace will only entertain offers for a significant sum because they signed the player from Lens last summer.”
“Given that he is still relatively new to the club, any sale will be at a fairly high price because Crystal Palace still sees Doucoure as important.”
