Newcastle United are set to launch a record breaking bid for Rennes winger Ismaila Sar after Premier League rivals Watford saw a £26.9million (€30million) offer turned down, according to L’Equipe.
The French publication claim on their website that the Hornets have seen their bid for the 21-year-old Senegal international turned down by the Ligue 1 outfit and that the Magpies are preparing to make an offer in excess of their top flight counterparts to beat them to his capture.
Sarr, who has 21 caps under his belt, was in scintillating form for Rennes last season, scoring 11 goals and contributing 13 assists across all competitions.
A fee in excess of the £26.9million offer reported by Watford would be a record breaking number for Newcastle, whose current biggest spend is the £20million [BBC Sport] spent on Miguel Almiron.
Opinion
You can understand why Newcastle are so keen on Sarr’s capture, as he ticks an awful lot of boxes for them. Not only is he a prolific forward who can play in a multitude of positions, operating on either wing or as a central striker, he is also experienced for someone so young, leaving plenty of resale value for when he does leave St James’ Park. With Mike Ashley at the helm, that is hugely important – although a takeover could well change their transfer policy. Still, you cannot imagine Newcastle spending nearly £30million on one individual with the current owner at the helm, no matter what his value might rise to with a successful season in the top flight. He might be someone on the radar for if they are under new ownership before the end of the summer transfer window but right now, Watford have got to be considered the favourites for his capture.
