Liverpool given huge asking price for Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure – Paper Round

The Mail believes that Crystal Palace want big money for midfielder Cheick Doucoure, as Liverpool look to find midfield replacements.

“Jurgen Klopp has made strengthening his midfield options a priority this summer, with the Merseyside club already adding Alexis MacAllister and Dominic Szoboszlai to their squad.

“But the imminent departure of captain Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq and the potential exit of Fabinho – also to Saudi – will leave the Reds looking for further midfield reinforcements.

“The 23-year-old is aware of Liverpool’s interest, but Palace want to keep Doucoure next season.

“However, Mail Sport understands that Palace officials are likely to find it difficult to refuse an offer of between £70m-£80m.”

The Sun reports that Chelsea are not interested in Harry Maguire as a replacement for the injured Wesley Fofana, instead preferring former player Marc Guehi, with Crystal Palace open to selling for a profit.

“Maguire, 30, could leave Old Trafford this summer after he was stripped of the captaincy.

“The defender also saw his game time drop last season under manager Erik ten Hag with it believed that he could be sold.

“SunSport revealed Chelsea were interested in a move for the England international after Wesley Fofana picked up a major injury.

“Chelsea would prefer a deal for Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi.”

With Riyah Mahrez linked with a big-money move to Al-Ahli, the Mirror believes that Manchester City could add Barcelona winger Raphinha as his replacement.

“Pep Guardiola is understood to admire Raphinha and City are weighing up a move, with Barca needing to raise funds before they can register their new signings. Mahrez is joining Saudi side Al-Ahli after City accepted a £30m bid for the winger.

“Mahrez was left out of City’s travelling squad for their pre-season tour of the Far East after the two clubs agreed the fee. The 32-year-old winger, who joined City from Leicester in 2018 for £60m, was given permission to miss the tour after City received a fresh bid that met their valuation.

“Raphinha joined Barcelona in a £55m move from Leeds last summer and has 10 goals and 12 assists in 50 appearances for the club. But Barca may be forced into selling with their well-publicised financial problems still affecting Xavi Hernandez’s transfer plans.”

Another player who could start the season in Saudi Arabia is Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin, with Eddie Howe confirming the club are in negotiations to sell the player.

“As revealed by Telegraph Sport last week, talks have been ongoing for several days and a deal is set to be completed imminently, with the funds set to lead to a breakthrough in Newcastle’s pursuit of Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes. The England international should be on Tyneside for a medical this week.

“Saint-Maximin will not travel with the rest of the Newcastle squad for their pre-season training tour of the USA and has said his goodbyes to teammates and staff.

“The impending departure of one of the most entertaining players in the Premier League and a crowd favourite on Tyneside, who was vital in keeping the team in the top flight under former manager Steve Bruce, brought an emotional tribute from Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.”