Ismaila Sarr is the latest right winger that Liverpool is considering ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline, with Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage asked about him today
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage.
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage.(Image: PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images)
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage says Ismaila Sarr is currently unavailable for selection because of injury amid transfer interest from Liverpool. The player has recently been training alone.
Sarr is the latest winger to be considered by the Reds as they seek to bolster Andoni Iraola's forward line ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline. Last week, the Reds had two bids for Yankuba Minteh rejected by Brighton, while its Bradley Barcola chase is ongoing.
"It's always difficult for a player when you’re associated with a club like Liverpool," Sage said. "The most important thing is to understand the player is not able to play and is in treatment. What happens with his future is really far from me."
Sage has insisted that Sarr has a groin injury, though he is also wanted by Galatasaray. The 28-year-old has another three years left on his contract and the Selhurst Park side does not want to sell him.
"Sarr is in individual training because he is really in pain with his groin," Sage continued.
"But we prepare him; he needs time. I thought it would be quicker, but I am not a doctor. That is why I wait for him and we prepare for him to come back with us. No chance (he plays against Manchester City this weekend).
Yankuba Minteh of Brighton & Hove Albion and Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace
Yankuba Minteh of Brighton & Hove Albion and Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace(Image: Getty Images)
"I understand that for everybody to have this kind of contact is difficult, because you hesitate a lot. But for the moment, he is with us. He is under contract.
"He is injured and maybe you can make a link between his injury and the situation. But for me, he is honest and I have no problem with that.
"I spoke with him this morning about that, yesterday about that, too. And we just want him on the pitch.
"All the rest is for the other people. Football is like this now, we know when it is the transfer window that there is a lot of noise, a lot of stuff for the player.
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"Maybe some of them are not really comfortable with this situation — and their agent, too, their family.
"That’s why it is not really a good period when you are inside in a club, but you know when it is finished we will only be concerned with our performances. We just have to wait for that."
Liverpool hosts Nottingham Forest this weekend in the Premier League. It has until Tuesday next week to conclude any transfer business.