In a market distorted by Chelsea and Arsenal deals, sources have told Football Insider that the asking price for Cheick Doucoure, a target for Liverpool, has increased to £50 million.
The Merseysiders are getting ready to complete the sales of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho when they decide to focus on signing the Crystal Palace midfielder.
On Monday, July 17, Football Insider exclusively revealed Liverpool’s interest in Doucoure, a 23-year-old defensive midfield star who is on their shortlist.
Although Palace in south London is prepared for contact, Liverpool has not yet formally approached the club.
Palace is very interested in keeping Doucoure, who they acquired from Lens last summer for a reported £21 million.
They initially put a value on him of around £35 million, but that amount has since increased as the British record Declan Rice deal and the Moises Caicedo controversy completely changed the defensive midfielder market.
Brighton rejected a £70 million offer from Chelsea and is holding out for a fee of at least £80 million despite extensive negotiations between the two parties regarding a deal for Caicedo.
After weeks of negotiations, West Ham and Arsenal reportedly agreed to pay Rice £105 million.
This summer, Liverpool has already finalized lucrative contracts with midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Fabinho and Henderson are reportedly moving to Saudi Arabia, though Jurgen Klopp’s team still needs reinforcements.
For Crystal Palace last season, Doucoure made 35 appearances in all competitions while accruing three assists. His contract expires in June 2027.
He won the Palace Player of the Season award in his first season playing in England, besting players like Marc Guehi and Michael Olise.
Additionally, Liverpool is prepared to accept the offer from a 32-year-old.
