Liverpool have reportedly submitted a £50million bid for Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr, and may hold a secret weapon in their pursuit: the Senegal international's close friendship with former Reds star Sadio Mane.
The 28-year-old has enjoyed a stellar stint with Crystal Palace, but looks as if he could be on the move this summer. Galatasaray are said to have seen several offers knocked back, while the latest reports claim Liverpool have jumped to the front of the queue. Sarr has also commanded interest from Manchester United this summer, with talk that the Red Devils want to add another forward to their squad.
Mane friendship could prove decisive
Liverpool want to ensure United, or any other suitors, aren't able to hijack this deal. They're said to have already submitted a bid worth £50million for Sarr, having reportedly walked away from a move for Yankuba Minteh.
While the two North West clubs both have Champions League football to offer, Liverpool may have a secret weapon to help aide their own pursuit. That is the fact that Sarr is believed to be a very close friend of fellow Senegal international Sadio Mane, who was revered by the Anfield faithful.
If, as can be assumed likely, Sarr was weighing up a move to Liverpool and consulted Mane for some advice, it's hard to imagine the ex-Reds star advising him to pick United instead. That's working off the proviso that, as has been reported, United do hold a genuine interest, and would be open to getting involved in this transfer saga.
Injury update ahead of Premier League fixtures
Sarr wasn't involved in Palace's defeat to Everton at the weekend amid suggestions he could be off, with manager Pierre Sage issuing an update on the former Watford man, saying: "Ismaïla Sarr is injured. He is in pain with his groin – that's why you didn't see him [train] with us today.
"But we'll prepare him – he needs time. I thought it would be quicker but I am not medical [staff] – that's why I wait for him, and we'll prepare him to come back with us."
Palace play Manchester City in their first home match of the season on Friday night, while Liverpool's opening game at Anfield comes against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
