Premier League duo Newcastle United and Watford are both reportedly interested in Rennes’ latest Ligue 1 star Ismaila Sarr.
Rennes winger Ismaila Sarr has been ‘seduced’ by the prospect of signing for Watford this summer as Javi Gracia’s side failed with an initial bid, according to Le10 Sport – though Newcastle should not give up hope just yet.
A rapid winger who was compared to £96 million Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele by Jose Mourinho (RMC), Sarr looks set to follow in the World Cup winner’s footsteps by securing a big money move away from Roazhon Park.
The Senegal international impressed in last year’s World Cup and took that form into the 2018/19 season, producing 13 goals and 11 assists as Rennes beat PSG in the Coupe de France final and reached the Europa League last eight.
L’Equipe stated on Tuesday that Newcastle United were ready to break their transfer record to sign Sarr but Watford appear to be at the front of the queue, having already made a £26.6 million bid which has been turned down.
Though Le 10 Sport claims that Sarr would welcome a move to Vicarage Road as he is desperate to prove himself in the Premier League. The problem is, Rennes want £40 million – a fee that would require Watford to almost double their transfer record.
As it stands, however, Newcastle perhaps need Sarr more than a Watford side who can already count upon Gerard Deulofeu, Ken Sema and Roberto Pereyra out wide.
Ayoze Perez is expected to leave along with top scorer Salomon Rondon, meaning The Magpies could soon be crying out for some added firepower and pace.
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