Aston Villa's deal for Watford forward Ismaila Sarr unlikely to go ahead

Villa’s proposed £25million swoop for Watford forward Ismaila Sarr is now unlikely to go ahead following a breakdown in talks.

By Matt Maher

Published Aug 22, 2022

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Watford's Ismaila Sarr applauds the fans after being substituted off during the Sky Bet Championship match at Vicarage Road, Watford. Picture date: Friday August 12, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Watford. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

The Senegal international appeared on course to become Villa’s sixth signing of the summer when a deal was agreed in principle with the Championship club on Saturday.

But negotiations broke down late on Sunday due to a variety of issues and there appears little chance of the move being resurrected at this stage.

Villa have also held talks with Southampton over a move for centre-back Jan Bednarek. Boss Steven Gerrard is on the lookout for another defender, following the serious injury sustained by summer signing Diego Carlos.

Winger Bertrand Traore has, meanwhile, completed a season-long loan switch to Istanbul Basaksehir. The Burkina Faso international, who joined Villa in a £19m switch from Lyon two years ago, was limited to just 10 appearances last season due to injury.