Liverpool 'send contract offer' to Cheick Doucoure

Liverpool have reportedly attempted to agree personal terms with Cheick Doucoure, who was left out of Crystal Palace's Carabao Cup win over Plymouth on Tuesday.

The Reds remain in the market for one more versatile midfielder before the transfer window closes at 23:00 BST on Friday, 1 September.

Anfield Watch understands that Ryan Gravenberch (Bayern Munich) and Khephren Thuram (OGC Nice) are two of the names being looked at, while Crystal Palace's hefty asking price for Doucoure – another player on the shortlist – has deterred Liverpool somewhat.

However, French outlet Sports Zone reports that Liverpool have still sent a contract offer to Doucoure in order to confirm that they can agree personal terms, before attempting to negotiate a fee with Palace.

Doucoure did not feature in the Eagles matchday squad for the 4-2 Carabao Cup win at Plymouth, in what was a largely second string side put out by Roy Hodgson.

READ MORE: Cheick Doucoure – who is the Liverpool transfer target?

While the 23-year-old Mali international's absence may simply be a result of squad rotation, it does also mean he is not cup-tied should he move to another club this season.

Previous reports have put Palace's valuation of Doucoure – who was the club's Player of the Year in 2022/23 – at £60-70m.

Asked about Doucoure's future, Hodgson recently said: “I want to keep all of the players, there’s no doubt about that. I’m the manager, the club getting money for players doesn’t help me. It would be very, very difficult, I think, with whatever money we get to replace those players.”

The former Lens star has played every minute of Palace's Premier League season in 2023/24 so far.

Additionally, Anfield Watch understands that Manu Kone (Borussia Monchengladbach) remains a possible target for Liverpool as Deadline Day approaches, while the club are still on the lookout for a left-sided defender.