Watford: Ismaila Sarr is a ‘really good player’ insists Pearson
Liverpool have already made their first signing of the summer in Kostas Tsimikas but now their attentions will reportedly turn to financing a deal to sign Ismaila Sarr from Watford. Liverpool made it clear even before the coronavirus pandemic that one of their main intentions heading into the summer was strengthening their attacking options.
Timo Werner was the club's top choice, but the financial implications caused by the COVID-19 outbreak led the a restructure of their summer plans.
Chelsea eventually swooped in to steal Werner from RB Leipzig, but the indication was still there that Jurgen Klopp wanted more options up front.
Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are seen as one of the best attacking trios in world football and have played a pivotal part in the club winning the Champions League and Premier League in the last 15 months.
But Klopp will want to see the club be dominant in every competition next season and that means strengthening his squad players.
Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri are currently the main options going forward, while Harry Wilson and Rhian Brewster will return from their respective loan spells when pre-season training starts.
However, Origi and Shaqiri have struggled to make a regular impact when called upon.
And Liverpool have reportedly identified Sarr as a top transfer target.
The Evening Standard though report Watford are demanding £40million for the sale of Sarr.
Crystal Palace and Wolves are also said to be interested but the report claims Liverpool are the frontrunners for his signature.
At 22 years of age, Sarr is said to fit the profile of player Klopp would like to work with.
Liverpool also hold somewhat of an advantage as Sarr is said to idolise Mane.
They came through the same academy in Senegal and Sarr regularly watches clips of Mane on YouTube.
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But Liverpool have already shown their not willing to be priced out of any transfer, having quickly moved on from Jamal Lewis after Norwich demanded £20m.
Watford want £40m for Sarr and Liverpool will almost certainly have to sell some fringe players before funding a move.
And it is reported players such as Wilson, Marko Grujic and Shaqiri could well leave Anfield to fund a move for Sarr.
Liverpool know personally the talents Sarr possess, as he scored twice in Watford's shock 3-0 win over the Reds back in February.