Crystal Palace have had an active start to their summer transfer business, with Cheick Doucoure the biggest pull of the batch.

A workmanlike midfielder with pace and power, it appears that now Patrick Vieira could do with a little bit of class to sit alongside him and create a perfectly balanced midfield.

They have recently been linked with Harry Winks of Tottenham Hotspur, and whilst underwhelming on the surface, he could actually be the ideal candidate to compliment Doucoure's talents.

Palace were first linked with him back in mid-June, and are said to still hold an interest alongside Everton. Paul Robinson had the following to say about the potential destinations for the midfielder:

“Both managers were one of the best midfielders the Premier League has ever seen. Winks has an opportunity to play for two midfielders that he probably idolised growing up. Palace would be an attractive proposition because he would not have to move.”

Having slapped a £25m price tag on him, Spurs could be missing a trick by letting go of the man Harry Kane dubbed a “fantastic player”.

Despite not featuring all that often, Winks ranked in the 98^th percentile for progressive passes per 90. Alongside Doucoure, who recorded 2.26 interceptions and 2.63 tackles per 90 last season, this again makes a compelling case for why the two should play together.

He also recorded a solid average SofaScore rating of 6.84, which given just 19 league appearances makes for a fine return.

Journalist Adam Crafton was astounded by how well the English international managed to slip back into the team after a period out, writing on Twitter that he was “remarkable” after a performance against Real Madrid.

Despite his time out of the Spurs’ starting XI, he has shown that he can clearly jump straight back into action after an elongated period out.

The £91k-per-week star, whilst he may not excite supporters, should do so due to the balance he can strike with their true star signing. For a cut price, this could be Vieira’s signing of the summer should it work out.

AND in other news: Vieira can seal "superb" signing with CPFC bid for £25m target, he's "absolute magic"