Manchester United could target ‘big talent’ Ismaila Sarr says club legend Gary Neville as pursuit of Jadon Sancho appears to stall over £100m transfer fee
- Gary Neville has talked up the qualities of Watford winger Ismaila Sarr
- Neville feels the Senegal youngster is a ‘big, big talent’ with lots of qualities
- He believes Watford would sell this summer if a good enough offer arrived
- United look to be at an impasse with Dortmund regarding Jadon Sancho’s future
Manchester United could pursue Watford forward Ismaila Sarr as a cheaper alternative to Borussia Dortmund sensation Jadon Sancho, according to club legend Gary Neville.
United are in the market for a winger this summer though appear to be at an impasse with Borussia Dortmund regarding a transfer fee, as the German giants are said to be holding out for £100million.
With a now increased likelihood of Sancho remaining in Germany, United could look to the England international’s former club Watford as the source of a different signing.
Manchester United could well turn their attention to Ismaila Sarr, believes Gary Neville
The Red Devils appear to be at an impasse with Borussia Dortmund regarding Jadon Sancho
Senegal forward Sarr has impressed since his move to the Premier League, showing blistering pace and strong finishing ability. Neville feels these qualities could certainly benefit his old team.
‘Manchester United need a right winger. He’s a big, big talent, honestly he really is,’ said Neville about Sarr on Sky Sports’ The Gary Neville Podcast after Watford’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham on Friday which increased their relegation risk.
‘We’ve seen his performances before but tonight he was a shining light, even in that first half there were periods where Watford did attack and it was through him,’ Neville added.
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, the former United defender labelled Sarr a ‘big talent’
The 22-year-old has impressed this season, showcasing rapid pace and fine finishing skills
‘He’ll be sought after and Watford will, I’m sure, cash in if they get the right bid.’
Watford fought off competition to sign Sarr from Rennes in August 2019, making the youngster a club record purchase at £25m, surpassing the £18.5m they paid for Andre Gray in 2017.
The 22-year-old has scored five goals and provided five assists in the Premier League this season and has a deal in place at Vicarage Road running until 2024.
Should Watford be relegated, however, it is assumed a clause in his contract would allow Sarr the option to leave.
Focusing on Sarr’s electric pace, Neville added: ‘I always think, particularly as a wide player, what would I have not wanted to have played against?
‘The first thing is pace. And then you’ve got to think about, can he use his pace? Well yes he can, because he makes really good quality runs: the spin in behind, straight, but also the run inside in between full-back and centre-back – which I always think is the most difficult to mark.
United are still in the process of drawing up their summer transfer targets, which will be impacted by whether they are able to securing a top four finish and Champions League qualification.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to bolster his ranks but has been warned United must still budget
In April United chief executive Ed Woodward stated that the club ‘were not immune’ from the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic and would only spend accordingly as a result.
Sancho remains the club’s top target, and his current £190,000-a-week contract runs until 2022.
Dortmund are said to believe that this puts them in a position of strength with regards to any transfer away from the Signal Iduna Park, and would be happy to retain the England star for one more season.
