Patrick Vieira ‘makes Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure his summer transfer window priority’

Patrick Vieira has made midfielder Cheick Doucoure Crystal Palace’s summer transfer window priority, it has been reported.

The Frenchman is looking to build on his impressive first season in charge of the Eagles and Doucoure would represent a shrewd signing in a difficult market for Palace to operate in. 

The Telegraph report that Vieira has known Doucoure for some time owing to his time at Nice and believes the player would take to English football positively.

Cheick Doucoure is thought to be Crystal Palace’s main priority for this summer window

Doucoure has impressed for Lens since their promotion in the Covid-impacted season of 2019/20. His two years in Ligue 1 have seen the 22-year-old develop into a fine young talent. 

Such is the talent, that Palace signing him would represent a major coup for the club. However, reports suggest other clubs, that can offer European football, are also in the market for the player. 

Doucoure has two years left on his current Lens deal and as such would command a relatively small fee of around £15m, it has been claimed. It is believed that this would not represent a stumbling block for Palace whose midfield needs some work.

The midfielder has impressed for Lens since their 2020 promotion to Ligue 1 

Crystal Palace are looking to build upon Patrick Vieira’s impressive first season in charge

Conor Gallagher, on-loan from Chelsea for the 2021/22 season, is perhaps going to be integrated into the Blues’ first team from August after impressing under Vieira. 

Meanwhile, Cheikhou Kouyate’s future is uncertain with the central midfielder out of contract next month and the club and his representatives yet to come to an agreement. 

As Palace look to arrange a deal for the Mali international Doucoure, they are also said to be looking elsewhere to further bolster the team and continue the Vieira revolution in south London. 

Chris Richards, a Bayern Munich player who has spent the last two years at Hoffenheim has been reportedly mooted as a potential addition in the centre of defence. 

The American international joined Bayern Munich in 2019 from FC Dallas and is an exciting prospect. 

Chris Richards (R) could meet Erling Haaland (L) in the Premier League next season