As INEOS adopts a cut-throat recruitment strategy, the Crystal Palace star addresses interest from Old Trafford while the Reds weigh his Premier League experience against younger targets.
Manchester United are in the midst of a transfer rebuild, as the Reds look to strengthen their side to return to the Champions League next season and aim to finish higher in all three domestic competitions.
There are a few names on the chopping block, including former United stars such as Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee. INEOS is implementing a more cut-throat transfer strategy and is looking to sign Premier League-proven talent in the future.
The Reds are looking in the Premier League for several positions, including left-back, a new central defender, striker, and winger.
One particular Premier League attacker has responded to claims that he's been identified as a top target for this summer transfer window.
After an illustrious two seasons at Crystal Palace, it appears Senegalese international Ismaïla Sarr is flirting with a move away from South London, and rumours suggest United may push for the attacker.
Sarr first appeared in the Premier League with Watford in 2019 and was the shining light in a lacklustre Watford side, which bounced from the Premier League to the Championship consistently.
His brief stint at Marseille caught the attention of Crystal Palace, who signed the winger for approximately £13 million in 2024. Oliver Glasner's influence helped Sarr become one of Palace's main attacking outlets, and he returned the favour by helping Palace win the FA Cup in 2025.
SportWitness has reported that Sarr has been identified as a target to improve the Reds' attack this summer, and that contact has been made, but it is unspecified whether that is between the two clubs or between United and Sarr's agent.
The Senegalese attacker responded with a cryptic and unambiguous statement, saying, “I have a three-year contract with Crystal Palace; it’s up to them to decide. Football is my profession, and I enjoy playing it.”
The report also mentions that two years ago, Sarr spoke to the media about his desire to play Champions League football. The Reds return to the competition this year, so Sarr can fulfil his dreams with a move to United.
Despite an impressive two seasons at Crystal Palace, Sarr's age, injury history, and lack of European football experience all may deter United from chasing a potential move. So what other options are there?
West Ham's Crysencio Summerville was a player heavily linked to the Reds earlier in the window, but interest has gone quiet due to three bids being submitted by Roma.
The Dutch international is a very similar player to Sarr; he can operate across the frontline, and his output puts him high on the list of his club's tally. United will have to rival Roma and beat their bid if they were to sign Summerville.
Yan Diomande is another name linked to the Reds, but RB Leipzig's asking price has deterred many clubs from chasing the Ivorian. PSG have been reported to have reached an agreement on personal terms, but Leipzig have not ruled out another club coming in for the winger.
He's become Leipzig's star player this season and followed it up with an impressive World Cup campaign with Ivory Coast. But with a £100 million asking price and reassurance from Leipzig's sporting director confirming he'll stay in Germany, according to the Bundesliga, United may look elsewhere.
It's no doubt Sarr would be a good option; he follows the model of signing Premier League-proven talent, and his versatility and output are attractive, but at 28-years-old, you can't help but feel splashing out on a younger target would be more beneficial in the long run.