Forget Gallagher: CPFC must swoop for £9m-rated monster who's "destroying everyone" - opinion

Premier League outfit Crystal Palace are monitoring RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure, according to the BBC, ahead of a potential summer move.

The 22-year-old has been a kingpin for the Ligue 1 outfit this term, making 34 appearances across all competitions this term with his side sat in eighth place.

Moreover, the Malian has scored one goal and registered four assists from defensive midfield this term and already boasts eight senior caps for Mali.

It’s no surprise that Palace are being linked with midfielders ahead of this summer with both Cheikhou Kouyate and James McArthur’s contracts set to expire this summer whilst Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher will be returning to west London with his future hanging in the balance.

The 22-year-old has been excellent for the Eagles this term, scoring eight goals and assisting a further three from midfield. Although, the chances of the Englishman returning to Selhurst Park on a permanent basis next season look slim, with it reported last month that Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is keen to have the midfielder next term.

Therefore, Patrick Vieira’s midfield will need a major overhaul in the summer, and Doucoure could prove to be the perfect candidate.

Valued at £9m, the 22-year-old could make the move to England for a bargain fee. Moreover, in a performance against Nice last month, journalist Andrés Onrubia Ramos claimed that the Malian was “destroying everyone.”

In Ligue 1 this season, the defensive midfielder has averaged 67.4 touches a match whilst completing 48.2 passes at an accuracy of 87% and 1.1 key passes.

Furthermore, Doucoure doesn’t shy away from the dirty work, contributing two interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 0.7 clearances a game.

Compared to Palace’s current preferred