Liverpool's £50m Sarr bid rejected as Palace hold firm on deadline day

Crystal Palace have rejected Liverpool’s £50 million bid for winger Ismaila Sarr and are holding out for £75 million, leaving the Reds scrambling to strengthen their squad before Tuesday’s 11pm transfer deadline.

Liverpool’s interest in the Senegal international intensified after a difficult start to the Premier League season — back-to-back 2-2 draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest at Anfield have underlined the need for reinforcements on the right flank and in midfield.

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Palace have so far ignored further approaches from Liverpool but are quietly exploring market alternatives in case an agreement is eventually reached. French outlet Foot Mercato reports that Liverpool continue to push for Sarr’s signature despite the significant gap between the clubs’ valuations.

Sarr is not the only wide player Liverpool have chased this window. The club had two bids rejected for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh earlier in August, with the Seagulls reportedly demanding £80 million. Although Liverpool are believed to have shifted focus, sources close to Minteh suggested over the weekend that talks could yet resume if Brighton soften their asking price. The Gambian winger is said to be keen on a move to Merseyside.

On a more positive note for Liverpool, the club have secured a future signing on the right wing. Eighteen-year-old French under-20 international Djylian N’Guessan is set to join from Saint-Etienne next summer after Liverpool agreed a fee with the Ligue 1 club. N’Guessan, who made his professional debut at 16 and has accumulated 11 senior appearances, had previously been linked with Chelsea before Liverpool moved decisively to secure his signature.

With the window closing tonight, Liverpool’s ability to land an established wide option before the deadline remains uncertain, leaving Arne Slot — not Andoni Iraola, who manages Bournemouth — with a squad that may still be short of the depth required to mount a sustained title challenge.