Crystal Palace are in talks to sign Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure.

The Mali international, 22, has been checked out by boss Patrick Vieira, says Goal.

Doucoure is a priority for the London club and Vieira recently met with the player's agents.

Reports in France then claimed that the Premier League club had made a £10m bid for Doucoure, but Lens are holding out for a fee between €15m and €18m (£12.7m and £15.3m).

Vieira is keen to bolster his midfield options with Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher expected to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Aston Villa had held talks with the Ligue 1 club last summer and were expected to make a fresh move.

But Palace are now in pole position to sign Doucoure.