Premier League duo Newcastle United and Watford could reportedly break their transfer records for Rennes’ Ligue 1 star Ismaila Sarr.
Rennes appear to have a handy habit of discovering hugely talented young wingers.
Back in the 2015/16 season, a little-known teenager by the name of Ousmane Dembele exploded onto the scene at the Roazhon Park and, two years later, he was on his way to Barcelona for a fee of £97million via a thrilling spell at Borussia Dortmund (BBC).
And Rennes didn’t have long to wait before Dembele’s successor emerged.
It remains to be seen whether Ismaila Sarr can follow in the footsteps of Barca’s World Cup winner but he’s certainly not short of quality – or admirers.
According to L’Equipe, Newcastle United are mulling over a club record bid for the Senegal international. Rennes apparently value him in excess of £27million.
And while Jose Mourinho might not be the revered force he once was, he still knows a potentially world class talent when he sees one. The former Manchester United and Chelsea boss raved about Sarr recently.
“I like the speed of Ismaïla Sarr who has a little Dembélé in him,” Mourinho told RMC.
Regardless of whether Newcastle would be a Dortmund-esque stepping stone for Sarr, a jet-heeled winger who scored 13 goals in all competitions last season would be a hugely exciting addition – and a real statement signing.
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