Crystal Palace confirm the signing of midfielder Cheick Doucoure in a £22m deal from Lens

Crystal Palace have announced the signing of Mali international Cheick Doucoure on a five-year contract. 

It is believed that the Eagles agreed a £22million fee plus a sell-on clause with French club Lens for the midfielder’s signature. 

Doucoure, 22, becomes Patrick Vieira‘s third new arrival of the summer after teenage winger Malcolm Ebiowei and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. 

‘I’m very happy, I feel a lot of joy and a lot of pride to be a Palace player,’ Doucoure said. ‘I’m proud to be at Palace today.’ 

‘Cheick’s arrival is yet another statement of intent, demonstrating our ambition to further improve the squad this summer,’ Palace chairman Steve Parish added. 

‘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.’

It is a significant coup for Palace, who made Doucoure their number one target this summer. 

The 22-year-old made 34 appearances in Ligue 1 last season and helped Lens finish seventh

Doucoure is lined up as a ready-made replacement for departing midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate

The 22-year-old made 34 appearances in Ligue 1 last season and helped Lens finish seventh in the table as he formed a strong partnership with Arsenal and Newcastle target Seko Fofana at the base of midfield. 

Lens did not need to sell and rejected Palace’s opening bid of £14.5million, but once the Eagles improved their offer it was hard for the French side to turn down.

Eight-cap Mali international Doucoure appears to be a ready-made replacement for Cheikhou Kouyate, who is expected to leave Selhurst Park as a free agent this…