Arriving at FC Metz from Génération Foot in his native Senegal last September, Pape Matar Sarr didn’t take long to attract interest from Premier League clubs.
It was Aston Villa who appeared to make the first move for the 18-year-old, although it appears that the approaches from Dean Smith’s side didn’t quite hit the sweet spot, opening the door to the likes of Newcastle United and Watford.
This is all according to RMC Sport journalist Joris Crolbois, who took to Twitter to reveal the news that Metz had ‘suspended’ talks with Aston Villa over the defensive midfielder, as the Premier League side ‘weren’t offering enough’.
As for the Magpies and the Hornets, they are said to ‘also be interested’ in Sarr, who could end up leaving the Ligue 1 side after less than a year in France.
Concernant Pape Matar Sarr, négociations suspendues avec Aston Villa qui ne proposait pas assez. Newcastle et Watford s’intéressent aussi au joueur
— Joris Crolbois (@JorisCrolbois) July 6, 2021
During his time with Metz, the Watford, Newcastle and Aston Villa target made 25 appearances in all competitions for the French club.
Whether the Villans up their offer remains to be seen, but if they don’t, deciding to turn their attention elsewhere, it appears Steve Bruce and Xisco are ready to pounce.