According to reports, Cheick Doucoure, the RC Lens midfielder, and Crystal Palace have agreed on a transfer fee.
The deal will be the Eagles’ first significant signing of the summer transfer window.
RMC Sport reports that Patrick Vieira’s team is close to completing a deal for the 22-year-old.
Doucoure will sign for Palace in a €26 million (£22 million) deal, making it the south London club’s first significant transfer after the arrival of youngster Malcolm Ebiowei from Derby County.
Over the past year, Doucoure has emerged as one of the most promising players in Ligue 1.
The midfielder linked up well with Seko Fofana, another Lens player, drawing significant interest from the Premier League and other European leagues.
The entire summer has seen Palace pursue Doucoure. After an initial offer was turned down earlier in the window, the Eagles now appear to have their man, with the midfielder expected to take Conor Gallagher’s starting spot XI for the upcoming campaign.
The on-loan Chelsea player was a revelation for Palace last season. The England international was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year and put himself in a fantastic position to travel to Qatar this winter for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the Blues only ready to trade Gallagher for a hefty sum.
