Crystal Palace have had a solid start to life under manager Patrick Vieira, challenging for a top-half Premier League spot and reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, losing to Chelsea.
The former Arsenal captain has taken to Premier League management with ease and looks set to steer the side to their highest finish since 2014/2015, where they finished tenth.
What's the word?
Building on this season's success will require Vieira and his staff to recruit diligently and ship out players who are underperforming and surplus to requirements.
The Mirror (via Goal) has reported that Palace could be set to land £15m rated Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure following Vieira’s meeting with the player's agent and a bid being made.
Kouyate upgrade
He was lauded for his performance against Nice at the start of April as he was “destroying everyone” who got in front of him, leading us to believe he'd be a wise signing for the Eagles.
With Chelsea loanee Connor Gallagher set to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, it's paramount the manager bolsters his midfield options for next season.
Doucoure could be an upgrade on current defensive midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate too, who will be turning 33 midway through next season.
The Mali international possess a significantly better attacking threat, with four goals scored compared to Kouyate’s one this term, however, it is the defensive attributes that are important.
Doucoure comes out on top in both tackles made and interceptions (77 and 67) compared to his potentially new teammate (57 and 44).
These stats alone prove that Vieira should be splashing the cash on the 22-year-old as it could well be a wise move in terms of thinking ahead to next term.
There aren’t many bargains to be had in today's transfer market, with valuations and fees spiralling out of control, but the Frenchman could grab one here and he should act before it’s too late.