Crystal Palace are set to miss out on transfer target Ismaila Sarr, with the forward now expected to stay at Watford, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

The Lowdown: Villa move collapses

The Hornets suffered relegation from the Premier League last season, but with the 24-year-old being a standout performer in Rob Edwards’ side, he has been linked with a move back to the top flight.

Recent reports suggested that the winger had agreed a £25m move to Aston Villa, but that fell through due to difficulty in negotiations, with the Midlands club duly pulling out of the deal.

Fabrizio Romano later claimed that the Eagles had been alerted to the Senegal forward’s situation and could have a window of opportunity to pounce, but it now seems unlikely that they will.

The Latest: Sarr set to stay at Watford

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Barclay shared information that Sarr is likely to remain at Watford despite being the subject of widespread transfer interest.

He said of the 24-year-old: “I think Palace like him, but I was told from the Watford end the other day that there’s a strong possibility that Sarr will stay.”

The Verdict: Blow for Palace

Whilst Palace already have plenty of squad depth in the wide attacking areas with the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise, it will still be a blow for Vieira to miss out on Sarr.

The Hornets star, who was dubbed a ‘future legend’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored 25 times and provided 19 assists in 96 games for Watford (Transfermarkt), already boasting two goal contributions in four matches this season.

The Sarr deal is one that Palace should definitely look at pursuing again in a future transfer window, if he remains attainable, and try their absolute best to bring him to Selhurst Park, particularly if their current wingers fall victim to injury or are lured elsewhere.