Liverpool make Cheick Doucoure ‘top target’ as Jurgen Klopp eyes huge discount

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reportedly earmarked Cheick Doucoure as his top midfield target once Wataru Endo’s move to Anfield is confirmed. Crystal Palace are set to demand a massive transfer fee for the 23-year-old, but the Reds are believed to be confident of securing a healthy discount.

Painfully missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia – both to Chelsea – has jolted Liverpool into life this summer. In desperate need of midfield reinforcements, Klopp shocked fans by quickly sewing up a deal for outgoing Stuttgart star Endo.

The Japanese international will undergo his medical on Thursday after the two clubs agreed a £15million fee. Although not the glamorous signing many supporters wanted, getting an experienced body through the door will allow Klopp and co to pursue other targets with weight taken off their shoulders.

According to the Evening Standard, Doucoure is now top of the list. The summer departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have left the Reds light in defensive midfield.

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Doucoure has managed to convince Klopp that he is the perfect candidate to step in after just one season in the Premier League. The Mali international joined Palace last summer in a £21m deal from Lens.

Now, the Eagles are preparing to demand a whopping £70m for his signature, with Paris Saint-Germain also rumoured to be sniffing around. There is reportedly confidence at Anfield that a hefty chunk can be knocked off Doucoure’s asking price.

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In fact, senior figures on Merseyside believe that Doucoure will be attainable for less than the £58m Chelsea shelled out for Lavia. The Palace star is thought to be open to joining Liverpool, but he will not force through a transfer after just one year at Selhurst Park.

A host of other midfield targets have been linked with the Reds following the double disappointment of Caicedo and Lavia. Sofyan Amrabat is now firmly back in the equation after weeks of strong links to Manchester United.

Bayern Munich youngster Ryan Gravenberch is also a player of interest, as well as Fulham ace Joao Palhinha and OGC Nice’s Khephren Thuram, all of whom are long-standing targets for Liverpool.

The need for fresh muscle in the middle of the park was exposed during a 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, during which both sides rode their luck and gave away a multitude of chances.

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