Newcastle United are “putting the feelers out” for any players they consider to be “half decent” ahead of the summer transfer window, according to The Watford Observer.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
While Ismaila Sarr is said to have emerged as a target for the club ahead of the first summer window under the PIF ownership, the Senegal international is understood to be one of many.
Indeed, despite a successful January transfer window, Newcastle failed to sign another forward player to fit alongside Chris Wood. With Callum Wilson injury prone, the attacking department does look somewhat light as thing stand.
Initial contact over a potential deal for Sarr was believed to have been made last month, although it is unclear as to whether or not the 24-year-old would be considered as a genuine target on a transfer shortlist, rather than the long-list of sorts that has been compiled.
Would Sarr be a good signing for Newcastle?
Both Ryan Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin have surely impressed enough to be considered first-choice under Eddie Howe. Now, Fraser might have struggled for an age under Steve Bruce but the Scotsman has established himself as one of Newcastle’s key players during their recent run of good form.
Saint-Maximin, meanwhile, is undoubtedly going through a difficult period but few would argue against him being perhaps the team’s most important player when on form.
The options outside of them, however, look like they could do with an upgrade. There have been reports the club have decided to sell Miguel Almiron, while Jacob Murphy – despite some good performances of late – has rarely wholly convinced as a starter.
Sarr’s averages on a per-game basis for some key attacking metrics look promising, particularly when compared to Almiron and Murphy. According to WhoScored data, the Watford man contributes more shots than Almiron (1 to 0.9), key passes than both the Paraguayan and Murphy (2.1 to 0.9 and 1 respectively) and dribbles (1.8 to 0.6 and 0.5).
On that basis, the Watford forward looks a significant upgrade.
What has been said about Sarr?
Speaking to Football Insider earlier this week, pundit Gabby Agbonlahor said: “Getting Sarr on the cheap if Watford go down would be a brilliant idea. I think there’ll be other sides sniffing around too.”
