Santi Aouna has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Ismaila Sarr.

What's the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Foot Mercato journalist revealed that, following recent claims of Crystal Palace's interest in the Watford forward, the Hornets have now rejected a €25m (£21m) bid from Patrick Vieira's side - with it being reported that Rob Edwards will not sanction the 23-year-old's departure for anything less than £30m this summer.

Aouna went on to state that, despite a number of fellow journalists rubbishing Leeds' interest in the Senegal international - including Phil Hay - Victor Orta's fondness of the winger is very much real, with the Whites still believed to be in the race for Sarr's signature in the coming weeks.

In his tweet, the journalist said: "Info: Crystal Palace have made an initial offer of around €25m to Watford for Ismaila Sarr. Proposal refused by the Hornets who ask for more. Real interest from Leeds, despite denials."

Orta must move

Considering the fact that Leeds are in rather desperate need of attacking additions prior to the closure of the summer transfer window on September 1, particularly following Patrick Bamford's latest injury setback, the argument that Orta simply must launch his own bid for Sarr in the very near future is an easy one to make.

Indeed, with the £24.3m-rated talent being both a proven goalscorer and chance creator for a bottom-half Premier League side, as well as a player who can operate from centre-forward if required, the 23-year-old would look to meet a great deal of the Whites' requirements for a new attacker.

Over his 50 Premier League appearances for Watford, the £71k-per-week forward scored ten goals, provided eight assists and created 14 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.7 shots, making 0.95 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

For comparison, over Raphinha's 65 top-flight fixtures for the Whites, the £40.5m-rated Brazilian scored 17 goals, provided 12 assists and created 22 big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.35 shots, making 2.0 key passes and completing 1.85 dribbles per outing.

As such, while Barcelona's £55m summer signing does better the returns of Sarr in the Premier League, considering the fact that player who Sadio Mane dubbed "rapid" achieved his current record while playing for a side who were relegated in both of the top flight campaigns in which he has featured, it can be assumed that, as part of a more competent team, the 23-year-old's numbers will only improve.

However, with Palace very much looking to have stepped up their interest in the Senegalese sensation this summer, Orta simply must make his own move for Sarr in the coming days if he hopes to have any chance of landing the attacker - or else the Hornets star could well be lining up against Leeds, rather than for them, later this season.