Liverpool have taken one step closer to signing Crystal Palace star Cheick Doucoure, according to a new report, amid a new transfer 'clue' being revealed.
According to Football Insider, the Reds have named the Mali international as their top transfer target for the remainder of the window.
Palace reportedly value the midfielder at £70 million, and are keen to avoid another transfer blow this summer after star player Wilfried Zaha joined Galatasaray after his contract expired.
But Liverpool are in desperate need of reinforcements, with a total of five midfielders leaving the club since the end of last season.They include defensive midfielder Fabinho, who signed for Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad for a fee of around £40 million.Japan international Wataru Endo was brought in from Stuttgart, but Klopp is said to be keen on signing on another midfielder before the window slams shut on Friday.
And he has now reportedly taken one step closer to signing his top target.According to French outlet Sports Zone, Liverpool have sent a contract offer to Doucoure 'in hopes of striking a deal', with the Reds desperate to sign a defensive midfielder.It is claimed that although Doucoure is top of their shortlist, Klopp's side do have backup options for the role if a deal for the 24-year-old cannot be completed.
A transfer 'clue', meanwhile, could have presented itself on Tuesday evening. Doucoure was left out of Palace's squad entirely by Roy Hodgson for their Carabao Cup clash at Plymouth, which the Eagles won 4-2.The former England boss did decide to rest several key stars, although Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Jordan Ayew were all named on the bench and came on as second half substitutes.
Speaking last week in a press conference before Palace's 1-1 draw at Brentford, Hodgson was unequivocal on his view over Doucoure's future.
He said: "I want to keep all of the players, there's no doubt about that.
"I'm the manager. The club getting money for players doesn't help me. It would be very, very difficult, I think, with whatever money we get, to replace those players."
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