Chelsea on transfer alert as Watford ace Abdoulaye Doucoure reveals he wants to move to club in Champions League
ABDOULAYE DOUCOURE wants to move to a Champions League club which will put Chelsea on red alert.
The French midfielder has been one of Watford's best players this season but claims the Hornets would "let him go easily" if one of Europe's elite teams came in for him.
The 27-year-old bagged his fourth Premier League goal of the season in the Hertfordshire side's 1-1 draw at Brighton on Saturday but admitted afterwards he can see his time at Vicarage Road coming to an end.
He said: "We are arriving at the end of a cycle.
"I think I can still progress massively. I can still do great things.
"Obviously, if I am pushed to change clubs, it will be to make a step forward.
"If a club of a high level comes and makes an interesting offer for me, of course the club will let me go easily."
Chelsea were heavily linked with Doucoure during 2019's January transfer window.
And the Blues may spring into action this summer after Doucoure admitted he wants to play in the Champions League but remain in the Prem.
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He added: "Of course, the clubs who play in the Champions League are the objective for every player.
"After that, I don't want a particular club. I am happy in the Premier League.
";I am sure I want to stay in the Premier League.
"We will see who presents themselves for me or not this summer."
The come and get me plea may soon be answered by those at Stamford Bridge after Frank Lampard made clear his anger at the club's failure to sign reinforcements in January.
While his own form has impressed many this season, Doucoure was also quick to praise Nigel Pearson's effect at Watford since his December arrival at the relegation threatened Hornets.
He said: "Nigel is someone who is very direct and very honest.
"He has arrived with very basic, simple things – he has brought back the realities of football.
"Sometimes he is not very pleasant with the players but that does everyone good.
"He has woken up the whole group. We cannot stay in this position.
"We cannot continue to lose matches so easily. Nigel has helped the mentality of the players.
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"My role has changed. I have already played in this position for Rennes.
"It is not a new position for me. I cover a lot of kilometres.
"With the English style, you attack, you defend. I try to improve every day."