Crystal Palace have suffered a huge blow in their pursuit of a Championship star…

What’s the word?

According to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay, despite their long-term interest, it seems Ismaila Sarr might end up sticking around at Vicarage Road.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he claimed: “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.”

Not too long ago Aston Villa had agreed on a fee of just £25m for the winger, and despite the supposed ease of these negotiations, Palace seem set to walk away without making any bids.

Vieira must act now

Although Patrick Vieira is not short on pacey and exciting attacking talents, not adding Sarr feels somewhat hollow given how he would likely thrive alongside the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.

For journalist Rob Blanchette to label him “young, hungry and electric”, you could not describe a Palace attacker more appropriately with the philosophy that the French manager has brought.

Despite having played in the Premier League for some poor Watford sides, and given his youth at the time of those stints, ten goals and eight assists in 50 appearances is certainly a respectable return.

He has already proven that the Championship is below his station, with his last full season in the division seeing him record 13 goals and ten assists.

Palace also have form with bringing talents from this league up to the top-flight, with Olise and Eze both having made the step up with great success, outlined in the fact they have now made 51 and 29 appearances in the division respectively.

Selhurst Park is a breeding ground for this kind of hungry talent, and with all the foundations in place to be a hit, Vieira should not wait around to secure this talent for a cut price.

Last season in the Premier League, as well as his five goals and two assists, he averaged 1.0 key passes per game and created five big chances.

For his service to be finding a higher calibre of player would surely see his numbers increase tenfold, making the £25m fee seem minuscule. Indeed, if it's more money Watford are after in order to sanction a move then the Eagles should consider acting to hand the Hornets exactly that.

The 46-year-old must move swiftly to bring the Senegalese speedster into his side and add another exceptional talent alongside his many others. In time, Palace could have one of the most potent attacking forces in the league.