Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are ready to explore a move for Ismael Dokoure, with Chelsea also keen on the defender.

According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Strasbourg defender Ismael Doukoure is on the radars of Crystal Palace and Newcastle United, with the duo are ready to rival Chelsea in the race. There are contractual complications as the Blues are eager to sign him, as a failure to do so could open the gates for the Eagles and the Magpies.

Many top Premier League clubs are looking at important deals in the window, although those are also eager to get some smart moves over the line. One could be the signature of Ismael Doukoure, who has been a mainstay in the Strasbourg backline this past season.

Strasbourg are destined to decide his future as Doukoure enters the final year of his deal at the Ligue 1 club. Chelsea are thought to be very much interested in the 21-year-old Ligue defensive sensation, as they are indeed in the market for a right-sided centre-back. They are already on the verge of signing Strasbourg star Mamadou Sarr, who will arrive in 2026, and a deal is in place for him to play the Club World Cup and then return to France.

Chelsea want Ismael Doukoure to arrive in 2026, which could see him spend another season at Strasbourg, although the youngster may not want to wait that long. Hence, he can consider other offers from elsewhere which could see the Ligue 1 club cash in, probably at a far lesser value than he currently holds in the market.

Newcastle United are one of those keen, as Eddie Howe wants a right-sided defender in his ranks. There are links to Fikayo Tomori, Marc Guehi and Joe Gomez among others, and Doukoure is also part of the equation as things stand.

Crystal Palace well placed for Ismael Doukoure?

Newcastle United could be a good option for the defender, although should he angle for a move to a new side where he is a regular, then Crystal Palace might be a solid option. The Eagles could be thrown into the market searching for a new defender as the future of Marc Guehi hangs in the balance. Tiago Djalo is a reported target, while a few other prominent names are on their list.

Ousmane Diomande is also a target, and now the reported availability of Ismael Doukoure could excite the Eagles towards exploring a move. Crystal Palace can seemingly offer the 21-year-old defensive sensation a ready place in their backline, while they may also play in Europe next season. So, Strasbourg could be forced to sell.