Crystal Palace's hopes of signing Watford winger Ismaila Sarr this summer are still alive after Aston Villa's move for the Senegal international fell through.

What's the word?

Palace are one of several Premier League sides to have been linked with the 24-year-old in recent weeks but it had seemed as if Steven Gerrard's side would win the race to sign him.

However, that deal collapsed after Villa failed to agree personal terms with the winger, which opens the door for Patrick Vieira to bring him to Selhurst Park.

Speaking in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, journalist Tom Barclay provided his thoughts on a potential Palace move for Sarr.

He said:

"I think there’s a chance of that one actually, or at least I think there’s interest there, that’s fair to say. But it will be a matter of trying to strike a deal, that obviously goes without saying, but that might be harder than you might think.

"Because Watford have sold Emmanuel Dennis for £20 million, maybe they sell Joao Pedro, it doesn’t feel like, despite relegation, that they really need to sell players like they did before.”

Better than Ayew?

Vieira is not short of attacking talent out wide, as he has the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Jordan Ayew to choose from in his squad.

However, the latter has struggled for consistency in recent seasons, contributing just three goals in the Premier League last season, and at 30 he might soon become victim to Vieira's rejuvenation of the Palace squad.

Last season saw the former Villa man make 31 appearances in the top flight, averaging a disappointing 6.68 rating from WhoScored for his performances after six goal contributions.

Sarr, meanwhile, would contribute five goals and two assists in fewer appearances, despite playing in a relegated side, which suggests that he could be a hit in a more established top-flight club such as Palace.

The Watford man would also average more shots, dribbles and key passes per game than Ayew, which suggests he has more of an all-around threat in attack.

If Palace are to continue with their free-flowing counter-attacking football this season, then Sarr would surely be better suited than Ayew, as the Senegalese winger is "rapid" and could definitely frighten Premier League defenders with his raw pace, something that the Ghanaian winger no longer possesses.

Therefore, after Villa's deal fell through, Vieira should definitely look to bring the £25m winger to Selhurst Park before the transfer window shuts.