Newcastle United’s new Saudi-led owners are considering rivalling Jurgen Klopp for the transfer of reported Liverpool target Ismaila Sarr of Watford, according to the Daily Mail.
Sarr has caught the eye with his efforts in a struggling Hornets side since their return to the Premier League. The 23-year-old has scored four goals in nine games, including against the Magpies during a 1-1 draw last month.
Newcastle have now identified Sarr as a firm target as they plot their first transfers since the £305m takeover. But Watford are unlikely to consider selling the Senegal winger during the upcoming January sales as they strive for safety.
Watford additionally consider Sarr to be one of the top-flight’s brightest talents and has the potential to reach higher levels. With Manchester City ace Jack Grealish an example of what is achievable following his £100m move from Aston Villa.
Newcastle could test Watford’s resolve with an offer for Sarr, having admired the £63k-a-week dynamo for some time. However, the Africa Cup of Nations could further complicate a January swoop, with the forward set to be a key member of Aliou Cisse’s side.
Sarr has also attracted a wealth of admirers during previous transfer windows, including from Liverpool, which could hinder Newcastle’s interest. Eurosport reported the Reds, plus Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, like the attacker, but faced a £50m+ valuation.
Should Newcastle target a transfer for Watford dynamo Sarr?
Newcastle may baulk at paying over £50m for Sarr in the January transfer window, but may have to put any reservations over a club-record fee aside to edge Liverpool to the Watford dynamo. TEAMtalk noted recently that Klopp still wants to take the 34-cap ace to Anfield.
Sarr has played all but 26-minutes in the Premier League this season over his nine outings for the Hornets. Claudio Ranieri withdrew Sadio Mane’s international teammate early in their 5-2 win at Everton last Saturday. He also played 39 of 46 games in the Championship last term, scoring 13 times and assisting 10 on route to ending the campaign as runners-up.
His efforts at Vicarage Road are now forming a key part of the Hertfordshire side’s hopes of avoiding another relegation. While impressing teammate Ben Foster, who told the Premier League’s YouTube channel last month: “He is frightening, honestly, he is frightening. How fast this guy is, I’ve never seen anything like it, his acceleration is phenomenal.”
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