Metz president Bernard Serin has played down reports linking Pape Matar Sarr with a move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa, Everton or Newcastle United, speaking to France Bleu.
We probably could have guessed at this stage that one of the most exciting talents in Ligue 1 was unlikely to be sharing a dressing room with Jonjo Shelvey next season.
Metz want more than £20 million for Sarr.
And if Newcastle weren’t willing to pay half as much for, say, Jens Cajuste or Kristoffer Ajer, the Senegal international was never going to end up at St James’ Park.
But while Steve Bruce is struggling on a shoestring budget, the same can’t be said about Aston Villa.
Even if Jack Grealish wasn’t on his way to Manchester City – adding £100 million to the club’s coffers – Villa’s billionaire owners have provided the Midlands giants with the sort of financial backing Newcastle can only dream of.
Everton have also been linked with the technically gifted midfielder. The Daily Mail reported a potential move to Goodison Park has been discussed.
Transfer fee must be enough to bring Pape Matar Sarr to Everton or Aston Villa
But while Serin didn’t confirm or deny any interest in his prized asset, the Metz president did admit neither the club nor the player had received a bid worthy of consideration.
“(Sarr) hasn’t received any serious offer,” says Serin.
The technically gifted Sarr has been likened to Barcelona playmaker Miralem Pjanic thanks to his superb passing range.
But, according to international boss Aliou Cisse, the teenager also shares a lot in common with a certain Senegal teammate.
“Pape Matar Sarr is a boy with a great future. He is steeped in talent,” said Cisse, the former Portsmouth midfielder.
“For me, he’s like Sadio Mane. It’s true he has less experience than Mane and has proven less than him – but he is capable of playing in several systems.”
Aston Villa are expected to prioritise a central midfielder after snapping up Danny Ings, Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey.
According to the Daily Mail, however, Villa have reservations about paying £22 million for an 18-year-old with just 22 league appearances under his belt.
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