Man Utd eye £29.5m Leeds, West Ham target as Arnautovic alternative

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Manchester United are now exploring a deal to sign Watford forward Ismaila Sarr, against rival interest from Leeds and West Ham, after dropping their pursuit of Marko Arnautovic.

Manchester United now want Ismaila Sarr against Leeds, West Ham interest

Erik ten Hag has now added Ismaila Sarr to his shopping list at Old Trafford as Manchester United will not agree to pay Bologna’s valuation of Marko Arnautovic. That’s according to 90min, who note the Red Devils will not pay more than €10m (£8.5m) for the 33-year-old.

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Bologna had requested €15m (£12.5m) in early discussions after the former Irons forward emerged as an option for Manchester United. Ten Hag wants his side to sign a forward in the final month of the market after opening the Premier League season with a 2-1 defeat.

Manchester United are now keen to identify alternative targets who can bolster Ten Hag’s frontline. Sarr is one under consideration, having started the Championship season in fine fashion following Watford’s relegation with a goal and an assist after the first two fixtures.

The 24-year-old also opened his account by scoring from inside his own half against West Brom on Monday night. But the Red Devils could face strong competition for the 47-cap Senegal star, whom Foot Mercato note the Hornets value at no less than €35m (£29.5m).

Premier League rivals keen to afford Ismaila Sarr immediate top-flight return

Several Premier League clubs are keen to afford Sarr an immediate return to the top-flight this summer. Foot Mercato have additionally cited Leeds United as one side interested in a deal with Watford for Sarr, who talkSPORT claim West Ham United also have their eyes on.

Newcastle United, too, like what the forward has offered at Vicarage Road, as Dean Jones reports the Toon consider him to be a ‘game-changer’. He has 25 goals and 19 assists from 94 appearances in all competitions since moving to England from Stade Rennais for £40m.

Sarr also blew former teammate Ben Foster away while together. The goalkeeper told the Premier League’s YouTube channel last year: “He is frightening, honestly, he is frightening. How fast this guy is, I’ve never seen anything like it, his acceleration is phenomenal.”