Crystal Palace 'very likely' to sign 'complete' £15m star at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace are ‘very likely’ to be looking to get a big-money Selhurst Park deal for Lens defensive midfielder Cheick Doucoure over the line, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

Patrick Vieira was appointed as the Eagles’ boss last summer and, ahead of the transfer window officially opening for business next month, he has set his sights on luring Doucoure to south London.

According to The Sun, Palace are closing in on a £15million deal which would take Doucoure to the Premier League for the first time in his career.

The report suggests Vieira has run the rule over the eight-cap Mali international ahead of strengthening his interest.

Doucoure worked his way onto Vieira’s radar due to the Frenchman being keen to bolster his midfield options.

However, Palace are not the 22-year-old’s only admirer as Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton are also understood to be mulling over whether to make a move.

Doucoure is set to enter the final two years of his Lens contract, meaning it may be the perfect time for his current employers to cash-in.

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Barclay understands Palace are eager to get their summer spending underway by luring Doucoure to Selhurst Park.

The journalist would be shocked if the Malian failed to head to south London and feels he would be a fruitful addition, particularly following the expiry of Conor Gallagher’s loan from Chelsea.

Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m not sure how much further on it is, but it’s definitely one they’re looking at. It’s very, very likely to be one they’re looking to get done.

“I think it’s a pretty good fee, he’s a good age at 22 and they’re looking for a midfielder.

“I think the high pressing element