ISMAILA SARR’S agent has revealed the Watford star agreed a move to Liverpool last month – only for the Reds to fail to come up with his transfer fee.
Boss Jurgen Klopp is a longtime admirer of the Senegal winger, 22, who scored twice as the Hornets beat his side 3-0 last February.
Manchester United have also been linked to Ismaila SarrCredit: Rex Features
Anfield officials showed interest in Sarr, Watford’s £30million record buy, during the summer – and made a new approach before the January deadline.
Senegalese advisor Thierno Seydi insisted the deal was close enough for him to urge compatriot Sadio Mane to help Sarr find a flat.
But he maintained the Premier League champions failed to meet Watford’s £35m asking price at the last moment.
Klopp has voiced his dismay at Liverpool’s lack of mid-season transfer activity as their grip on the title loosens week by week.
Seydi told PanAfricanFootball: “A few days ago we were at the stage of Ismaila Sarr signing a contract with Liverpool.
“Everything was fixed, his monthly salary and the length of the agreement.
“I even asked Sadio Mane to find an apartment for him to live in.
“But in the end Liverpool were unable to put the necessary 40 million euros on the table to finalise the deal.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of Ismaila SarrCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
“English clubs have driven the transfer market in recent times.
“The fact that they are now struggling to come up with funds shows how deeply football is in crisis.”
Seydi also shed light on Manchester United’s abortive bid to capture Sarr during the close season.
The Paris-based middleman added: “United wanted Sarr during the summer window, and at the last moment they proposed a loan without the option to buy.
“But Watford didn’t accept it. They wanted the loan to be accompanied with a sale option, with United having pre-emptive rights.”
Sarr has scored five goals in 25 games this season to help Watford to fourth in the Championship.
Roy Keane smirks as Micah Richards teases Graeme Souness in behind-the-scenes video after Man City thrash Liverpool
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
