According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool has initiated the process of acquiring Cheick Doucoure. However, Crystal Palace is reportedly demanding a substantial fee of at least £70m to allow the departure of the midfielder.
After securing early agreements for Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, the Reds had plans to add at least one more midfielder. Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, both reportedly heading to Saudi Arabia. Hence, Jurgen Klopp might now need to sign two midfielders to compensate for their absence.
Last Friday, the Merseysiders received a substantial £40m offer for Fabinho from Al-Ittihad. Consequently, he was absent from the club’s squad for a training camp in Germany. It is a belief that the Brazilian midfielder will undergo a medical examination this week in preparation for his potential move to Al-Ittihad.
On the evening before Liverpool’s first pre-season friendly against Karlsruher, on Wednesday night, the Reds reached a preliminary agreement to transfer their captain, Henderson, to Al-Ettifaq. The deal is values at £12m with additional add-ons. As a result of this development, Henderson was absent from the squad during the team’s 4-2 victory.
Liverpool eyeing a certain midfielder
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool has intensified its interest in the Mali international midfielder. They already started taking active steps in “beginning work” towards a possible deal. Klopp is eager to entice the midfielder to Anfield as part of the team’s transfer plans.
Securing a deal for Doucoure might prove challenging. Since, the newspaper indicates that Crystal Palace is holding out for a significant fee of at least £70m. Considering that the 23-year-old midfielder was acquired from Lens for £18m just last summer, Palace appears hesitant to let go of him so soon after his arrival at Selhurst Park.
Last season, Doucoure played a total of 35 matches in various competitions for Crystal Palace. Thus, contributing to the team’s performance that saw them finish above Chelsea in the Premier League table.
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