According to Foot Mercato, Crystal Palace are now attempting to sign Ismaila Sarr – despite the fact Leeds are in advanced talks.
What’s the story?
Well, this is quite the update involving Crystal Palace and Leeds.
It was said that Leeds were closing in on the Senegal international, who Watford paid £30m for when signing him from Rennes in 2019.
However, Foot Mercato believe the deal hinges on Leeds selling a player to raise funds, a problem which has encouraged Crystal Palace to get involved in negotiations.
The French news outlet are claiming that Patrick Vieira has already spoken to Sarr about a move to Selhurst Park, and a deal is possible with the 24-year-old keen to return to the Premier League.
Unfortunately, the Watford No.23 suffered relegation with the Hornets last season, a campaign in which he scored five Premier League goals in 22 appearances.
Sarr has already started the season on fire in the Championship, providing two goal involvements in three outings so far, including a phenomenal strike from inside his own half against West Brom.
Leeds could lose out to Crystal Palace
In our view, Leeds are now in serious danger of losing out on Sarr.
Crystal Palace actually tried to sign the Saint-Louis-born forward before his move to Watford in 2019, and made another attempt in October 2020 with a £25m bid after the Hornets suffered relegation to the Championship.
There is clearly a long-term interest in Sarr at Selhurst Park, and a move now seems very possible – especially after Christian Benteke moved to D.C. United, prompting Vieira to admit that he would like to sign a replacement.
Vieira was also born in Senegal, so it is possible that Sarr idolises the 46-year-old from a footballing perspective, and is lured to south London by his presence.
Only time will tell what happens, but Crystal Palace are certainly in a strong position to hijack this deal.
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