Crystal Palace have made their third signing of the summer with the addition of Cheick Doucoure.
The Mali midfielder arrives from Ligue 1 side Lens for a fee that could reach £22million, with the Eagles paying an initial £18m for the player.
Patrick Vieira had long ago earmarked Doucoure as one of his top transfer targets following Conor Gallagher’s return to Chelsea following his loan spell.
Doucoure told the club website: “I'm very happy, I feel a lot of joy and a lot of pride to be a Palace player. I’m proud to be at Palace today.”
So far this summer, young forward Malcolm Ebiowei and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone have signed with this deal Palace’s first significant outlay on a transfer fee.
Eagles chairman Steve Parish said: “Cheick's arrival is yet another statement of intent, demonstrating our ambition to further improve the squad this summer.
“We are extremely confident that Cheick will adapt seamlessly to the rigours of the Premier League and that he will contribute positively to the squad, and I wish him all the very best for his time with us.”
