Newcastle United are looking at bringing Ismaila Sarr to St James’ Park this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Journalist Jacque Talbot recently revealed that the Magpies had been ‘offered’ the chance to sign the Senegal international this summer as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his squad at St James’ Park.
The 24-year-old made 22 appearances this term as he suffered his second relegation in three seasons at Vicarage Road, and the forward could well be looking for a way out as a result.
As per Lee Ryder for Chronicle Live earlier last month, the Magpies ‘scouted’ the 39-cap Senegal star and could be looking to make their move at the end of the season.
It’s also been claimed that Sarr – who scored when the two sides drew 1-1 at Vicarage Road last September – is an affordable option for the new-look St James’ Park ownership.
The report added that the winger is ‘keen to stay in the top-flight’ and will be looking for wages in the region of £65k-per-week.
Fellow Premier League outfit Crystal Palace are also said to be interested in doing a deal with the Hornets for the lightning forward, and Jones has stated he doesn’t believe Palace will want to go toe-to-toe with the Tyneside outfit for his signature.
He told GiveMeSport: “They just won’t want to get into a price battle with Newcastle, who have got some interest in him.
“It’s not major interest right now, but they’re definitely looking at the situation, as they see him as a gamechanger and somebody that’s probably a step up from Saint-Maximin.”
TIF Thoughts on a potential Sarr deal…
Sarr has been described by Watford teammate Ben Foster as a “freak” and is the type of winger who has no trouble beating full-backs – and certainly a forward Howe will desperately want to possess.
In the 2021/22 Premier League season, the £24.3m-rated star averaged 1.5 dribbles per game, while the campaign prior in the Championship, he managed 1.9 (via WhoScored) highlighting his incredible knack of trying to create opportunities out of nothing.