EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle’s new Saudi-led regime eye up Watford star Ismaila Sarr as their first transfer target… but the stubborn Hornets are unlikely to sell their prized asset in the January window
- Newcastle have picked Watford’s Ismaila Sarr as one of their first transfer targets
- The Senegalese winger has impressed for the newly-promoted Hornets this term
- Watford are unlikely to consider a January deal for the 23-year-old attacker
- The Hornets believe he can reach a similar level to Man City’s Jack Grealish
Ismaila Sarr is an early transfer target for Newcastle as the club attempt to build a squad capable of challenging the Premier League’s strongest teams.
Despite playing for a struggling side, the Watford winger has caught the eye during his time in the top flight and Sportsmail understands he is firmly on Newcastle’s radar.
Watford are unlikely to consider a January deal for the 23-year-old, who they believe is one of the top talents in the division.
Newcastle’s Saudi owners have identified Watford star Ismaila Sarr as an early transfer target
The owners, with Amanda Staveley (right) a key figure, are plotting their first market moves
Though Sarr is a different kind of player from Jack Grealish, Watford believe he has the potential to reach a similar level. Grealish left Aston Villa to join Manchester City last summer for a British record £100million.
Newcastle are potentially the world’s wealthiest club following the £305m takeover by the Saudi backed Public Investment Fund and though they are still seeking a permanent manager and technical staff, Sarr has been prominent in their thinking for some time.
Sarr joined Watford from Rennes in summer 2019 in a deal worth up to £40m, signing a five-year contract. In 31 Premier League starts, he has nine goals and four assists.
Newcastle consider Sarr (left) one of the league’s top talents but are unsure of a January move
He is a Senegal regular and is expected to be a key part of their squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
‘He is frightening,’ said Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster. ‘How fast this guy is, I’ve never seen anything like it. His acceleration is phenomenal.
‘Not only is he rapid, getting down the wing and putting the ball into the box, but now he’s scoring goals as well.’