Manchester United may move for Ismaila Sarr

Manchester United have made contact with Watford over the signing of their forward Ismaila Sarr.

The club are losing hope of being able to sign Jadon Sancho, reports the Independent. The 20-year-old England international and his agents have reportedly agreed terms with United but there could be too many other problems that prevent an agreement with Borussia Dortmund.

The German club are supposed to want around £110 million for Sancho, with much of the fee paid up front, and Ed Woodward believes that such demands are unreasonable for a relatively inexperienced player, especially due to the financial impact of coronavirus on football finances in general.

Nevertheless, a move had not yet been completely given up on, but United are now looking at alternatives, though whether the interest is genuine or a ploy to force Dortmund intoa deal is another matter.

The 22-year-old Senegalese international Sarr was one of the few bright spots of Watford’s most recent Premier League season, which ended in relegation. He put in a particularly impressive performance against league champions Liverpool, who are also reportedly interested in the winger.

The Not London club want around £30 million for him, though there could be some pressure on that price given they will need to raise funds having been relegated to the Championship for this season. That should be affordable for United if they are able to play something close to Dortmund’s asking price, after all.

Nevertheless, with Woodward in charge it is worth remembering that United’s transfer policy is defined by its hamfistedness, tight-fistedness, and repeatedly-fist-in-headness, so the chances of a decent, value-for-money signing are slim when the alternatives are considered.

So, instead of a quick signing of Sarr to provide competition and support on the wings, expect United to announce an investment in a smallcap cold fusion company based in Utah and listed in Toronto.