Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes Aston Villa are still tracking Watford forward Ismaila Sarr ahead of a potential January move.

The Lowdown: Sarr move falls through

Sarr, labelled a “freak” of a talent with “scary” ability by former team-mate Ben Foster, looked to be heading for a late summer move to Villa Park after the two clubs agreed on a £25m+ deal.

However, as we know, a transfer never materialised after Villa pulled out of negotiations due to a ‘host of stumbling blocks’. The club didn’t bring in a new attacker after a move for Sarr fell through, with Leander Dendoncker and Jan Bednarek joining on deadline day.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Talking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke said that he is ‘sure’ Villa will be ‘keeping tabs’ on Sarr heading into the January window after he remained at Watford over the summer, and believes Villa could look to use him in a central role.

“Aston Villa – I’m not sure where he fits in the team. Where does Ismaila Sarr play? Does he plays a winger, because Villa don't really play with wingers, or do they see him more as a forward - that's maybe where he might become a better option for Villa because they have struggled for goals this season.

“Obviously Villa do like him, as they tried to sign him in summer, so I'm sure they will be keeping tabs on his future going forward.”

The Verdict: One to watch?

Sarr, who actually shares the same agent as Steven Gerrard, has mainly played as a centre-forward for Watford this season and ranks highly when it comes to pressures per 90 minutes, something which could appeal to Villa in the New Year.

Villa have scored just six times in seven Premier League games, with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings both netting just once each.

Should Villa’s poor form in front of goal continue, a new attacker could be of use to Gerrard in the winter window. Sarr could be a smart addition due to his versatility across the front three, which could come in handy if the Villa boss reverts back to a system using wingers.