Crystal Palace ‘target’ Lens midfielder – with Everton mooted as suitors for Chelsea loan hit Gallagher

Crystal Palace are keen on a summer deal for Lens midfielder Cheick Doucore, according to reports.

The Telegraph claim that the Mali international, 22, is a prime summer target. They add that Bayern Munich’s Chris Richards is also a potential option.

The publication claims that Eagles manager Patrick Vieira wants Doucore although in reality it is sporting director Dougie Freedman who conducts the South London club’s transfer business.

Doucore has two years left on his contract and it has been speculated that a fee of around £15million would be enough to secure his services.

The Telegraph add that Everton would be interested in Conor Gallagher if the Chelsea midfielder is allowed out on loan again next season. Gallagher was a huge success during his season-long stay in SE25, with his performances rewarded by senior international recognition with England.

American centre-back Richards has spent the last two seasons on loan at Hoffenheim. He signed for Bayern in 2019 from FC Dallas.

Palace could lose Cheikhou Kouyate this summer. The versatile 32-year-old, who has played in central midfield and the backline, is out of contract at the end of June.