Watford now plan to keep Ismaila Sarr after a move to Aston Villa fell through, with Leeds United’s hopes of a deal possibly fading.
The Hornets lined up with Sarr, Emmanuel Dennis and Joao Pedro in their attack for their opening game of the Championship season.
However, Dennis has been sold to Nottingham Forest and Joao Pedro looks set to leave for Newcastle United in the coming days.
Losing all three star attackers would have been a disaster for Watford but it now looks like Sarr could end up staying after all.
Watford now plan to keep Ismaila Sarr
Aston Villa looked set to sign Sarr having agreed a deal worth around £25million over the weekend.
However, the deal collapsed during talks between Villa and Sarr, and there will now be no move to Villa Park for the Senegal ace.
So what comes next?
Foot Mercato reported in August that Leeds United fancy signing Sarr, though it would depend on players leaving Elland Road.
It’s a little surprising to see Leeds linked with another winger; they already have Jack Harrison, Daniel James and new signing Luis Sinisterra, whilst Brenden Aaronson has operated out wide.
Leeds could come in for Sarr after the Villa move collapsed, but Watford seemingly have other ideas now.
The Mirror now claim that Watford are now rejecting all bids for Sarr and plan to keep him beyond the end of the transfer window.
The Hornets even want to give Sarr a new contract to stay at Vicarage Road, seemingly making it clear that they won’t entertain any more bids for the wide man.
That stance may well be hardened because of Joao Pedro’s imminent move to Newcastle, with Watford reluctant to lose all three in one window.
Leeds may still try and tempt Watford to change that stance, but it looks like the ship has sailed on Sarr making an immediate return to the Premier League.
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