via Reuters
Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr is desperate to complete a move to Liverpool before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night, according to reports from France.
Liverpool completed the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain on Monday for a total package that could be worth up to £123m, but the suggestion was that the Reds were also looking to add another forward before the 11pm deadline.
Another signing would have allowed Cody Gakpo to complete a move to Manchester City after talks advanced between the parties, but the Merseyside outfit decided on Monday night that the Dutchman would be staying at Anfield as they struggled to find a replacement for him.
One of the players Liverpool had been targeting was Sarr, along with Brighton and Hove Albion's Yankuba Minteh, but after failing to agree deals with either club, they are ready to keep what they have.
Gakpo is said to be happy to remain at Anfield despite the interest from Man City and Tottenham, having made a positive start to the season with a goal and an assist in their opening two Premier League matches of the campaign.
According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, posting on X, Liverpool had a second bid rejected for Sarr on Monday, but the player is desperate to seal a move to Anfield in the next hours.
The 28-year-old wants to make the move at all costs, and is expected to refuse to train on Tuesday to get what he wants.
Liverpool Could Make Crucial Transfer Decision Today
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
The more Liverpool are thinking about it, the more they probably feel that they would be happier keeping Gakpo at the club rather than spending big on someone like Sarr, who is a year older than the Dutchman.
There may have been some worries about how Gakpo would fit in under Iraola, but the Spanish manager has said himself that he has been one of their best players so far this season.
It is a good sign that the 27-year-old is ready to have a big season, and it makes sense to keep him rather than overspend on someone like Sarr or Minteh.
Andoni Iraola (Liverpool)