Crystal Palace are still interested in signing Ismaila Sarr from Watford, according to The Athletic.

What's the word?

Reports in recent months revealed Roy Hodgson wanted to recruit Sarr in the summer as he sought to bolster his firepower before the start of this season, but Watford rebuffed a £25m bid from Palace chairman Steve Parish.

Now, The Athletic claim Watford are unwilling to listen to offers below £40m for the Senegal international, amid interest from the Eagles as well as Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool.

Sarr, who has won 32 caps for his country, has scored four times in 18 league appearances for the Championship club. His current contract runs until the summer of 2024.

Get it done, Eagles

Having missed out on one of Hodgson's top targets in the summer, Parish can now make amends by bringing the Senegalese to Selhurst Park in the January transfer window.

It's likely he will have to smash the club's transfer record in order to do so, having signed Christian Benteke from Liverpool for £27m back in 2016.

The 22-year-old has excelled this season since his return from injury and the Hornets are in no rush to sell him as they have pinned their hopes on him firing them to promotion. But they could be tempted by a suitable bid to keep themselves financially afloat during the coronavirus crisis.

Liverpool legend John Barnes believes he is a "fantastic" beast, telling BonusCodeBets he would like to see Sarr reunite with his international teammate Sadio Mane at Anfield.

And with Andros Townsend - whose contract will run out at the end of this season - a reported target for West Brom last year, a swoop for Sarr could be the perfect long-term solution to their lack of depth on the right, especially considering Hodgson confirmed Jeffrey Schlupp faces up to three months out after suffering an injury during the win at home to Sheffield United.

If Parish plans to strengthen Hodgson's squad to ensure Palace have enough firepower to stay above the relegation battle after Schlupp's latest setback, he will need to look no further than Sarr, who should be his primary target.

AND in other news, Edgar Davids 2.0: Crystal Palace must avoid signing Ezequiel Schelotto at all costs...