West Ham will formalise their interest in Watford's Ismaila Sarr, according to ExWHUemployee

The lowdown

Watford finished down in 19th in the Premier League, meaning they will be back in the Championship just a year after promotion.

It's the second time Sarr has suffered relegation since he joined the Hornets in a £27million move from Rennes in August 2019.

And he's reached an understanding with the club's hierarchy, who will allow him to leave this summer under the right conditions (via The Athletic).

Watford may be satisfied if they're given the opportunity to break even three years after signing Sarr.

The latest

West Ham will advance beyond mere interest by making an approach for Sarr, the Hammers insider reported on his Patreon page (via West Ham News).

They also intend to initiate a move for his team-mate Emmanuel Dennis, but the pursuit of Sarr is regarded as more important.

The verdict

Sarr, 24, may have only managed five goals and two assists last season, but those numbers have to be put in context.

Watford were a desperately poor side last season, scoring only 34 goals and picking up a mere 23 points.

And Sarr showed what he was capable of on the international stage with Senegal, returning from injury to score in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Equatorial Guinea before providing an assist in the semifinal against Burkina Faso. He would then play 77 minutes in the final as they beat Egypt on penalties to win the tournament.

Compatriot Sadio Mane raved about Sarr following his arrival in England, describing him as 'rapid' and warning team-mate Andrew Robertson that he could 'kill' him with his pace.

In other news, a major West Ham United departure has been predicted by this pundit.