Aston Villa and Crystal Palace want Ismaila Sarr but both have decided Watford’s £25million asking price is beyond them right now.
That’s according to The Sun, who claim that Watford are sticking to their £25million demands in the final hours of the transfer window.
The Hornets will not budge and, as things stand, Villa and Palace both feel that price is beyond them right now.
Villa fans will remember that a summer deal for Sarr was teed up but the £25million move collapsed.
Some may wonder just why Villa think that figure is too much now when they were willing to pay it just a matter of months ago.
Sarr’s contract is ultimately running down though and he is now into the final 18 months of his Watford contract.
Villa may have hoped for a discount on the summer valuation but Watford are adamant that Sarr is going nowhere for less than £25million.
How has Aston Villa target Ismaila Sarr fared this season?
Sarr, 24, surprisingly stayed with Watford for another Championship campaign.
It was surprising enough when Sarr stayed with Watford after their relegation in 2020, with Sarr unsurprisingly dominating the Championship as the Hornets went straight back up.
Sarr sadly couldn’t help Watford stay in the Premier League last season but he is certainly trying to win promotion again.
Sarr has racked up seven goals and five assists in 24 Championship appearances, which is a goal contribution every other game.
The Senegal international also scored at the World Cup and is having a strong campaign once again.
Watford are sitting fourth in the Championship and have a great chance of returning to the top flight.
That’s ultimately why Watford are standing firm now; they believe they have the best chance of going up with Sarr in their squad.
Villa understandably still want Sarr, who was hailed a ‘brilliant’ by Gary Neville on ITV (3:51pm, November 21, 2022), but convincing Watford to sell seems unlikely.
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