Aston Villa have agreed a £25m deal with Watford to sign star winger Ismaila Sarr, 90min understands.
The Senegal international was absent from the Hornets squad that faced Preston in the Championship on Saturday, a game that ended goalless.
Sarr still has plenty of potential suitors and Villa are keen to get the deal finalised quickly for £25m plus add ons to avoid another side swooping in.
Ahead of the Preston game, Watford manager Rob Edwards claimed the club had received no offers for Sarr and added that his absence was fitness related.
He said: “The situation is pretty clear. We’ve not had a bid from anyone. So that’s where it is in terms of any sort of transfer speculation.
“Where he’s at in terms of fitness is training part of the session yesterday, which is good. So we’ll keep monitoring and assessing him all the way up until Saturday’s game.”
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Sarr's impending exit is another blow for Watford, who lost fellow forward Emmanuel Dennis to Nottingham Forest last week. Newcastle are also eager to sign youngster Joao Pedro.
The Magpies have had two bids rejected, 90min understands, and talks are continuing with Watford demanding £30m for their young Brazilian.
Source : 90min