Manchester United enquire about Watford forward Ismaila Sarr
Manchester United have made an enquiry into Ismaila Sarr’s availability at Watford – and have finally made a bid for Porto left-back Alex Telles.
United have been assessing alternatives to Jadon Sancho as they have failed to agree a deal with Borussia Dortmund for the England forward, with Sarr among the options considered.
At the same time United are understood to have at last, after opening talks more than a week ago, made their move for Telles by submitting an initial bid for the left-back. However it is understood to fall significantly short of Porto’s valuation, although there remains strong hope that a deal can be agreed this week.
Watford are braced for approaches for Sarr ahead of the Oct 16 domestic window closing and it is understood only a permanent deal would be considered for the £40million-rated forward.
United, who have not commented when asked about an enquiry for Sarr, are looking to strengthen the right-wing position as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s priority in the remaining time in the window, which closes for international transfers on Monday.
Sancho has been their No 1 target, but Dortmund have stood firm on their £108million valuation of the 20-year-old. The German club wanted any deal done before Aug 10 so they could prepare for their Bundesliga campaign.
They have seven days to see if Dortmund are willing to do business for Sancho but have looked at other possibilities.
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Getting a winger on loan would be ideal for United as their interest in Sancho will not end if they fail to get him in this window. Sarr is only be available on a permanent deal, which means United would have to invest to make him part of Solskjaer’s squad.
Sarr, 22, arrived at Vicarage Road at the start of last season from Rennes in a deal worth £25million and, despite relegation, has been monitored by Premier League clubs after his performances.
He was used off the bench for the first few months after his arrival but then played regularly when he broke into Watford’s first-team after Quique Sanchez Flores’ departure. The former Metz player finished the season with six goals but could not prevent the club getting relegated into the Championship.
Porto had reduced their asking price for 27-year-old Telles to around £18million after accepting that they risked him signing a pre-contract in January and leaving for free next summer as he is in the final year of his deal and does not want to sign a new contract.
However, United are still hoping to take advantage of the Brazilian’s contract situation and while they have submitted a bid, it is not one that is acceptable to Porto. The situation is all the more frustrating for Telles given he is desperate to make the move and also that personal terms are not expected to be a problem.
Solskjaer wants Telles to provide competition for Luke Shaw at left-back with United hoping that the pressure on Porto to sell will lead to them eventually agreeing the deal.
