Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace: Journalist discusses Cheick Doucoure transfer talk

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Image for Crystal Palace: Journalist discusses Cheick Doucoure transfer talk

Journalist Ryan Taylor has claimed that Crystal Palace are looking at Cheick Doucoure ahead of the summer transfer window.

There have been reports that Doucoure is close to agreeing a deal with the Eagles if personal terms can be agreed, and the fee is rumoured to be in the region of £15m.

Doucoure is just 22 years old and recently finished his second full season in Ligue 1, featuring 34 times in the league this campaign, whilst contributing one goal and four assists.

After the reports that Doucoure is close to agreeing on a deal with Palace, Taylor spoke to GiveMeSport and discussed the south Londoners’ approach to transfers this summer, as well as their reported interest in Doucoure.

He said: “With Palace, you’ve got to sort of question how much they have available to spend, and being realistic, it’s not going to be players that cost £25 million, it’s going to be sort of that £10 million to £20 million bracket.

“So, you need to sort of be cautious over what kind of quality you’re going to get at that price, and the best way to invest would be the younger players, as they’ve done. And they’re reaping the rewards of that now.

“I think Cheick Doucoure is one that they’ve looked at certainly, and Bamba Dieng as well from Marseille.”

Would Doucoure be a good option for Palace?

Yes

Yes

No

No

TIF Thoughts on Taylor’s comments…

Doucoure has been the main man in midfield for RC Lens this season. He had the most tackles per game at the club (2.2), as well as the most interceptions per game (2) and the fourth-highest average player rating (7.07), as per SofaScore. His teammate Seko Fofana has been blown away by his ability as he called him an ‘incredibly complete’ player.

Palace finished 12th in the Premier League this season, which was an improvement on last season’s 14th-place finish, so Patrick Vieira’s first season in charge at Selhurst Park can be deemed a success.

However, the French manager will certainly be looking to improve further next season by adding to the squad in the summer, and with the budget described by Taylor, Doucoure would be a wise and affordable option in midfield.

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