Liverpool continues to push for a deal to sign Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace this summer, though doubts remain over his future at Selhurst Park.
Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace celebrates after scoring goal during a UEFA Europa Conference League match
Liverpool have been linked with Crystal Palace attacker Ismaila Sarr(Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Liverpool has seen a second bid rejected by Crystal Palace for Ismaila Sarr, as the Reds continue their late push for the Senegalese international in the final days of the transfer window.
That's according to Fabrice Hawkins, who claims that another offer from the Merseyside outfit has been turned down, following a first bid that was rejected last week. It's stated that Sarr is keen on the move and wants to join "at all costs", while he won't train for Crystal Palace as his future remains uncertain.
As it stands, it's unclear exactly how much Liverpool has offered the second time around, though it may be more than the $67.7 million that was on the table for the winger last week.
The new offer comes as the Reds continue to assess options on the forward market, despite the recent arrivals of Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz so far in the summer transfer window.
While both offer their own quality and potential, there is a clear imbalance between flanks, with Federico Chiesa being the only natural right-wing option, while Cody Gakpo joins the others as being more comfortable on the left side.
Gakpo himself has been linked with an exit, as Manchester City is interested in a late deal that could total $115 million, but that move hangs in the balance, with Liverpool keen to sign another winger before letting the Netherlands international leave.
Liverpool have been linked with a late move for Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr.
Liverpool have been linked with a late move for Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr.(Image: PA Wire)
An exit for the forward could address the imbalance, with a right-winger on the cards all summer. However, it's been one of rejection, with Yan Diomande turning down the Reds, before bids for Yankuba Minteh and Sarr have been turned down by their respective clubs.
The latest offer for Sarr represents Liverpool's willingness to bring in another forward option, but it could prove difficult for the club to get value for money with such a move so late in the window, which may in turn see Gakpo stay at the club.
It would represent something of a frustrating window for the club if so, considering the clear need to find a positional replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right, even if Barcola may be the one who will take the title of chief scorer and creator on the opposite side.
While the right wing has been a clear area for a signing, there are some obvious concerns regarding a few other gaps in the team that may need to be fixed.
The central midfield options have been criticized for being too attack-minded, with Jamie Carragher among those calling for a midfield reinforcement who can help plug the gap between the backline and the forward line, especially in transition.
Then there's concerns over the right-back area as well, with Conor Bradley's injury issues only compounded by the difficulties of Jeremie Frimpong since he joined the club.
The impact of the lack of signings in those positions, should Liverpool fail to land players there before the window closes, will be seen in the months ahead, with a huge task on Iraola's hands for the rest of the campaign.