Crystal Palace ‘are looking at’ RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a switch to Selhurst Park in recent days after being personally scouted by manager Patrick Vieira ahead of a potential move.

What is the latest news involving Doucoure?

According to The Sun, Palace are ‘closing in’ on the signature of Doucoure, who is expected to cost in the region of £15 million following an outstanding campaign in Ligue 1.

The Daily Mail (via GOAL) have claimed that the Mali international is ‘a priority’ for the south London outfit and that Vieira recently met with the player’s agent to discuss the possibility of a transfer.

It’s claimed that reports in France then revealed that Palace had made a £10m bid for Doucoure, who has been described as "incredible, but Lens are holding out for a fee between €15m and €18m (£12.7m and £15.3m).

And the Mail also disclosed how Aston Villa held talks with the Lens last summer and were expected to make a fresh approach until Palace moved into pole position for the defensive-minded dynamo.

The capital club are believed to have identified Doucoure as a cheaper alternative to Ajax star Edson Alvarez, who is said to have a £35m price tag.

What has Barclay said about Doucoure?

Vieira is currently in the midst of an overhaul of Palace’s first-team squad after inheriting the oldest side in the Premier League fewer than 12 months ago.

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And Barclay believes that Doucoure is a player on the Eagles’ radar as a new holding midfielder is a position that they ‘may well look to recruit’ in this summer.

He told GiveMeSport: “I think he is one of the players that they are looking at. I don't know how high up the list he is, but I think I said a while ago that defensive midfielder is a position that Palace may well look to recruit this summer, and he fits that mould.”

What is Palace’s current midfield situation?

Loanee Conor Gallagher has been exceptional for Palace this season, but he’s expected to re-join parent club Chelsea following the conclusion of the current campaign.

Other options Luke Milivojevic, Cheikhou Kouyate and James McArthur are all approaching the twilight zone of their careers, and therefore, Vieira may be keen to freshen his midfield up.

Summer signing Will Hughes has also struggled to make an impact at Palace, starting just 10 Premier League games this term, meaning further additions may be required.