Aston Villa preparing £28m bid for Liverpool target

Aston Villa are reportedly preparing a £28million bid for Ismaila Sarr, a player linked with Liverpool in recent weeks.

According to Homme Du Match, Dean Smith’s Villans have identified the purported Reds target as a potential replacement for Jack Grealish.

Last week, 90Min claimed Liverpool had been in talks with Watford over Sarr, a player who has earned big praise from Sadio Mane.

“He’s absolutely rapid,” the Reds ace told The Athletic in 2019.

“I think defenders will struggle. He’s very, very fast. I’m a bit jealous that I won’t see him at Liverpool.

“I’m really happy for him though. I think he will be great for Watford.”

Are Aston Villa just testing the waters?

The Villans are set for a tense August amid speculation linking Jack Grealish with a move away from Villa Park.

Therefore, it’s understandable to see reports emerge suggesting Aston Villa could be eyeing his replacement.

And Sarr would certainly be a great shout for the claret-and-blue shirt.

The 23-year-old joined Watford in 2019 for a reported £40million.

Sarr has made 70 competitive appearances for the Hornets, claiming 19 goals and 16 assists.

His efforts helped Watford seal promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt last term.

That said, what club in their right mind would accept a £28million bid for a £40million player whose team is back in the Premier League?

Villa were slated by their own fans last week for a reported “derisory” opening bid for Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse.