Crystal Palace are close to signing Cheick Doucoure from Lens after the midfielder had an alleged move to Tottenham blocked, according to The Sun.
Doucoure, 22, has been a key man for Lens this season, notching almost 3,000 minutes across 34 appearances in all competitions (Transfermarkt).
Jeunes Footeux previously reported that Tottenham were keeping tabs on the Mali international and were considering an offer worth up to £16.8 million (€20m) for the defensive midfielder, who can also play in defence.
Spurs were also thought to have been interested in Doucoure last summer, but were thwarted by Lens who ‘closed the door’ on a move from happening (Le Quotidien du Sport).
And it looks as though Spurs will now be forced to miss out altogether, with The Sun reporting that Palace are closing in on a £15 million deal this summer.
The report notes that Patrick Vieira’s side moved in the direction of Doucoure as an alternative after being priced out of a move for Ajax defender Edson Alvarez.
Spurs Web Opinion
Doucoure has played a lot of football this season and that just shows how highly-rated he is by Lens and the fact he can be trusted in such a key role.
For Crystal Palace, this looks to be a snip at just £15 million as they are getting a talented defensive-minded midfielder who will likely have plenty of room to grow – especially under Vieira.
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