Paris Saint-Germain have joined Liverpool in the race to sign Cheick Doucoure.
The 23-year-old defensive midfielder had a superb first season at Crystal Palace last term, having moved to Selhurst Park from Lens in a five-year deal that could be worth up to £26million including add-ons.
Liverpool have placed Doucoure on their shortlist as they prepare for the possibility of losing both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Standard Sport understands the French giants have now also registered their interest in signing the Mali international.
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While PSG beat Chelsea to the signing of Uruguay’s Manuel Ugarte from Sporting at the beginning of the summer, they are still expected to bolster their options in defensive midfield before the transfer window shuts.
Palace would only consider a significant offer for Doucoure, who they already view as a vital player. Only Declan Rice made more interceptions in the Premier League last season.
But Liverpool could, in any case, be forced into parting with more money than they wish to spend, as Fabinho and Henderson find themselves on the brink of joining a number of high-profile names to move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Fabinho is in the process of discussing personal terms with Al-Ittihad after the club tabled a £40m bid, while Henderson has agreed personal terms with Al Ettifaq — now managed by former teammate Steven Gerrard — but the clubs remain apart on a potential transfer fee.
The Reds are also tracking other central midfield options ahead of the new season, with Doucoure on their shortlist along with Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips and Romeo Lavia, the 19-year-old currently at relegated Southampton.
While Palace have brought in Jefferson Lerma from Bournemouth in Doucoure’s position this summer, they have also lost midfielders James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic upon the expiry of their contracts and would need to strengthen were the Mali international to leave.
