Everton 'will be interested in summer deal' for £30m star at Goodison Park | OneFootball

Everton will most likely ‘still be interested’ in signing Watford winger Ismaila Sarr during the summer transfer window, journalist Paul Brown has told GiveMeSport.

The relegation-threatened Toffees made a late move for the 24-year-old in January, and Brown believes they could revive their interest in him if they manage to maintain their Premier League status.

Adam Leventhal of The Athletic revealed that Watford rejected an approach for Sarr on deadline day from Everton that would have seen him depart the club on loan for the remainder of the season.

It’s believed that the Merseysiders wanted to pay £2 million to sign the Senegal international on a short-term basis.

Everton also wanted the deal to include an obligation to purchase Sarr for £30 million in the event of them avoiding relegation, as well as a £4 million appearance bonus.

However, the Hornets were determined to keep hold of their prized asset until at least the end of the season, and vehemently rebuffed the Premier League outfit’s approach.

Sarr only has 18 months remaining on his current contract at Vicarage Road, though, meaning his career is fast approaching a significant crossroads.

What has Brown said about Sarr?

Brown has told GMS that Everton are likely to revive their pursuit if they avoid the drop but that a ‘bidding war’ could ensue with other interested parties.

He said: “If they managed to stay in the division, I do think Sarr is probably someone that Everton will still be interested in the summer.

“They're unlikely to be the only ones, and I think once clubs know that he's available, there could be a bit of a bidding war for him, and that might make it difficult for Everton, but we shall see.

“They certainly need a player like that from somewhere, so it will depend on a lot of factors, really.”

How well has Sarr been playing?

Sarr has been putting in some solid performances for Watford this season as they look to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The versatile attacker has scored seven goals in 24 Championship appearances to date, providing four further assists for his teammates.

As per WhoScored, Sarr has also averaged 2.2 shots and 1.4 dribbles per league games, placing him in the top three for each metric when compared to his teammates.

Sarr is evidently a very talented winger who has proven his ability at Premier League level before, and Everton are unlikely to be his only potential suitors when the summer window eventually opens up for business.