Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race to sign Cheick Doucoure from Crystal Palace, according to the Evening Standard.
Doucoure enjoyed an impressive debut season with Palace following his £21 million move from Lens last summer, completing the second-most interceptions in the Premier League.
He was named Crystal Palace’s Player of the Year, but the 23-year-old could be set for an immediate return to the top tier of French football with PSG now plotting a move to acquire his services.
However, Les Parisiens will have to fend off competition for Doucoure’s signature from Liverpool, who are also targeting midfield reinforcements despite having already signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Liverpool are expected to sign at least one more midfielder as they are resigned to losing Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to the Saudi Pro League.
PSG beat Chelsea to the acquisition of Sporting CP’s Manuel Ugarte earlier this summer and will fancy their chances of tying up a deal for Doucoure at the expense of another English club.
In keeping with what has been a busy transfer window, Doucoure would be PSG’s eighth summer signing as they prepare for life under new manager Luis Enrique.
Manuel Ugarte, Lee Kang-in, Lucas Hernandez and Xavi Simons have all been signed for a combined €133m, with Cher Ndour, Marco Asensio and Milan Skriniar also moving to Parc des Princes as free agents.
The Ligue 1 champions are preparing to kick off their pre-season tour with a home clash against lower league outfit Le Havre on Friday.
They will then fly to Japan for friendlies against Al-Nassr, Cerezo Osaka and Inter Milan.
