Watford ready to break transfer record for AFCON star

Watford are reportedly negotiating with Rennes over the transfer of young winger Ismaila Sarr, Sky Sports News reports.

The Hornets, whose current record signing is £18m striker Andre Gray, are believed to have tabled a bid in the region of £20m for the 21-year-old, though have a way to go to reach the Ligue 1 outfit’s valuation.

Rennes are thought to be holding out for a price of £27m, though the Premier League side are confident of reaching an agreement.

Sarr has just suffered the heartache of defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations final with Senegal but was a star turn for the runners up during the tournament, scoring in a 3-0 win over Kenya.

The youngster was a mainstay at Rennes last season, starting 41 of 44 appearances across the league and Europa League, and had a direct hand in 20 goals, scoring 12 and assisting eight.

Javi Gracia’s interest in Sarr follows their pursuit of fellow Ligue 1 star Allan Saint-Maximin, though it remains to be seen whether Watford would want both.