Wolves set to lose midfield target to Crystal Palace but receive boost in defender pursuit

The latest rumblings from Molineux this Wednesday
Centre-Back Duje Caleta-Car has played more than 100 times for Marseille and was part of the Croatian 2018 World Cup squad which lost to France in the final.Centre-Back Duje Caleta-Car has played more than 100 times for Marseille and was part of the Croatian 2018 World Cup squad which lost to France in the final.
Centre-Back Duje Caleta-Car has played more than 100 times for Marseille and was part of the Croatian 2018 World Cup squad which lost to France in the final.

Crystal Palace are set to complete the signing of RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure, beating both Arsenal and Wolves to the Mali international’s signature.

According to RMC Sport, a fee in the region of £18m plus add-ons has been agreed between the Ligue 1 side and Palace - a bargain in today’s market for a 22-year-old that was a standout performer in the last campaign.

Lens’ Malian midfielder Cheick Oumar Doucoure. Credit: SYLVAIN THOMAS/AFP via Getty ImagesLens’ Malian midfielder Cheick Oumar Doucoure. Credit: SYLVAIN THOMAS/AFP via Getty Images
Lens’ Malian midfielder Cheick Oumar Doucoure. Credit: SYLVAIN THOMAS/AFP via Getty Images
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The Sun state that the Eagles saw off late competition from London rivals Arsenal for Doucoure - a statement in itself for Patrick Vieira’s side.

They weren’t the only other Premier League involved either with Wolves having shown interest in the midfielder earlier in the window.

According to the Mirror, the gold and black were keeping a close eye on ongoings with Doucoure but with the future of Ruben Neves not yet decided, nothing ever developed.

The 22-year-old made 34 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, scoring once and providing four assists.

Duje Caleta-Car left open

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In more positive transfer news, it appears a move for a different old target could be given the go ahead.

Marseille centre-back Caleta-Car could be allowed to leave the Orange Velodrome this summer with the French giants willing to listen to offers for the 25-year-old.

That’s according to French news outlet L’Equipe who state Marseille may look to cash in now to avoid losing the Croatian - whose contract expires next June - on a free next summer.

Wanderers had a bid of £13million rejected for the defender this time last year, however, a bid in a similar region could see Les Phocéens part ways this time around.

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With Wolves keen on improving the spine of the squad still this summer, this is a move that could gain more traction over the coming weeks.

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