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Leeds United hunt £30million Watford forward Ismaila Sarr amid Newcastle development
Leeds United remain “keen” on Watford forward Ismaila Sarr but Premier League rivals Newcastle appear to be out of the race, according to Jacque Talbot.
The Whites are after the Senegal international as Jesse Marsch seeks to provide cover in attack, with injuries to both Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt resurfacing for the game against Southampton on Saturday (13 August).
Foot Mercato had reported on 2 August that the Hornets value him at €35million [£29.5million], although after he scored from inside his own half against West Brom this week that price could have gone up.
United are still after him according to Daily Star reporter Talbot, who wrote on his personal Twitter account on Friday afternoon (12 August): “Hear Ismaïla Sarr and Newcastle very unlikely at the moment. Leeds keen though.”
Manchester United are the other club widely believed to be looking at the 24-year-old [Mail], and after they were thrashed 4-0 at Brentford after the Whites’ draw on the south coast they could increase that interest.
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Newcastle being in for anyone will get sides edgy after their new-found riches, although they haven’t been able to spend that freely this summer, so it is a boost that they aren’t a real threat here.
Leeds’ need for another option up front was highlighted at St Mary’s as injury issues that had been feared for their current two options appeared for just the second game, and left winger Dan James once again toiling ineffectively as a striker.
Bamford and Gelhardt would be a formidable duo if they could just stay fit, which the last season and a bit has suggested they can’t.
Sarr may be an expensive option from the Championship but if the club are interested in him they seem to need to get a move on.
As the crisis at Old Trafford grows deeper their desperation will increase, so Watford could be minded to up the price to take advantage.
With four more points than their old rivals, things aren’t as bleak at Elland Road, but that could turn around quickly if a few bad results racked up with the injury-prone strike pair ruled out.
In other Leeds United news, Marsch has shared an injury update immediately after the game at Southampton on both.