Patrick Vieira has pledged his full support for Cheick Doucoure after Crystal Palace's new signing was the victim of a blackmail plot.
The Mali midfielder joined Palace for £22million from Lens last week, but Doucoure's lawyer has alleged that middle men involved in the deal are threatening to leak documents claiming to show that the 22-year-old has a double identity and dual nationality unless they receive a cut from the deal.
Doucoure's camp insist the documents are false and have promised to take legal action against the alleged extortionists.
Speaking ahead of Palace's game against Manchester United in Melbourne on Tuesday, Vieira backed his new signing, saying: 'I spoke to him, I spoke to the lawyer as well.