Liverpool told it will take ‘huge bid’ to lure Crystal Palace star away as Klopp considers options
Liverpool have been told that it will take a ‘huge bid’ in order to sign Cheick Doucoure this summer as Jurgen Klopp considers his options.
The Reds have had a busy transfer window up until this point and they are still looking to add to their squad.
While the arrival of Wataru Endo has added to their midfield options, Liverpool are still looking light in defensive midfield.
Plenty of options are currently being discussed by Liverpool as the club have reportedly ‘made calls’ for five different midfielders.
The likes of Kalvin Phillips, Sofyan Amrabat, Ryan Gravenberch and Joao Palhinha have been among the names linked to Anfield of late.
Crystal Palace’s Doucoure also remains a top target this summer, but according to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool would have to pay a significant transfer fee.
“Eze at Crystal Palace is also super appreciated (by Man City), but they have the feeling that Palace don’t want to lose important players and only a crazy bid will change the situation,” Romano told Caught Offside.
“It’s a similar situation with Cheick Doucoure and Liverpool – the situation has always been the same.
“Liverpool asked for deal conditions last week, let’s see if they will decide to bid or not, but Crystal Palace want to keep Doucoure, he’s a key player for them so it could only happen in case of huge bid.”
It has been claimed that Crystal Palace value Doucoure around the £70m mark, which is perhaps too pricey for Liverpool at this stage.
Crystal Palace only paid around £20m for the midfielder last summer, but he has increased in value significantly since then.
The 23-year-old had an excellent debut season in the Premier League and he is currently tied down to a long-term contract.
His current deal at Selhurst Park runs until the summer of 2027 and so Palace are in a strong position to negotiate his market value.
Doucoure has started in Crystal Palace’s opening two Premier League matches and for the time being he looks set to stay at the club unless a gigantic offer was to come in.