Liverpool have been told that a bid of £70m will be accepted by Crystal Palace if they want to sign Cheick Doucoure – with Jurgen Klopp ready to ask club bosses to finance the move for the all-action Mali midfielder.
The Reds are determined to add further additions to their midfield after seeing their engine room severely depleted this summer. Indeed, while they have signed Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and, on Friday, Waturo Endo, they still remain three bodies short on last season.
To that end, the Reds were planning for the exits of Naby Keita, James Milner, Arthur Melo and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. But what they did not go into the summer expecting was the sales of stalwarts Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, both of whom jumped onto the Saudi Arabia gravy train.
And while Klopp is no doubt delighted at the addition of Japan star Endo, the Reds boss still hopes to add at least one more midfielder to his ranks this summer.
To that end, a host of top names have been linked, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that Ryan Gravenberch is pushing to quit Bayern Munich in the wake of interest from Liverpool.
However, they continue to also cast their eyes over Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat. The Moroccan is available for a fee of around €30m (£25m) though he seemingly prefers a move to Manchester United instead.
That said, another name in the frame, and one much closer to home, is also on the agenda in Doucoure. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder enjoyed an outstanding debut season in the Premier League following a £21m move from Lens last summer.
Named the Eagles’ Player of the Year, he was one of the first names on the teamsheet, putting in a string of fantastic displays.
Liverpool told they can sign Doucoure for £70m
However, Liverpool’s interest in the 12-times capped Mali midfielder threaten to make his spell in south-east London a brief one.
And according to Football Insider, Liverpool have been given major encouragement that a deal could be on the cards.
Indeed, reports earlier this week suggested Doucoure has already made clear he wants to make the move to Anfield.
Now it’s reported the Eagles have responded to Liverpool enquiries by informing the Reds a deal can be done if they meet their £70m valuation.
The price may seem a little on the hefty side, but having missed out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Liverpool’s need is now approaching the desperation stage.
As a result, Klopp is determined to ensure Liverpool do not miss out again on a top target with lessons needing to be learned, especially, from the Lavia saga.
The German, therefore, wants a deal to sign Doucoure quickly wrapped up and is reportedly imploring Anfield chiefs to meet Palace’s demands.
Liverpool entertain Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday but Klopp hopes to have Doucoure in his ranks by the time they next take the field against Newcastle in a mouthwatering clash at St James’ Park next Sunday.
