Watford are confident of wrapping up a deal for Ismaila Sarr as they bid to beat the clock in a move for the Rennes winger.
The Hornets have been after a wide player all summer and Sarr has been their top target since the transfer window opened.
Talks with Rennes are at an advanced stage and, as of Wednesday morning, there was optimism a compromise could be found over a fee.
Watford are ready to push ahead with a club record deal for Sarr and value him at around £25million.
Rennes, however, have been holding out for at least £30m but a compromise over the sides’ valuation is likely.
With the Premier League’s transfer window shutting on Thursday at 5pm, Watford are under pressure to tie up a deal before then.
The French window, on the other hand, does not close until September, meaning Rennes could play hard ball and look to sell Sarr to a team outside of England.
However, it is unlikely they’d be able to command a fee similar to what Watford can pay and as such the Hornets are still hopeful a deal can be struck.
Despite time running out, Watford are boosted in their pursuit of the Senegal international by the fact the player is keen to come to Vicarage Road.
Sarr is eager to test himself in England and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
That means, once a fee is agreed, a deal for the winger could accelerate quickly and be wrapped up swiftly ahead of tomorrow’s 5pm deadline.
