Crystal Palace talisman IsmaÏla Sarr is attracting interest despite being dumped out of the World Cup on Wednesday after Senegal suffered a shock defeat to Belgium. 

According to a report from Graeme Bailey, Manchester United are keen to persuade Sarr to join the club and lead the line as Micahel Carrick looks for a reliable goal threat. 

Sarr had doubled the lead for his side in the 51st minute, a truly remarkable goal, taking the ball down on his chest before volleying beyond Thibaut Courtois. 

However, a late collapse from Senegal allowed Belgium back into the game, scoring twice in the final four minutes of the game to draw extra time. 

Both sides came close to finding a winner, but it was the Red Devils who struck gold when they were awarded a 120th minute penalty, converted by Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans. 

Despite their elimination, Senegal had a strong tournament, and Sarr became the highest Senegalese goalscorer in World Cup history, netting five times for the Lions of Teranga. 

Following the tremendous campaign he had for Palace both domestically and in Europe, it was a matter of time before suitors lined up for his services.

Sarr scored a career high 21 goals in all competitions for Palace, and his form has carried into the World Cup, which has attracted potential suitors ahead of the upcoming Premier League season. 

At 28, he’s now in the prime of his career, and the guarantee of goals and consistency is a clear reason for the interest. Whilst he has predominantly played as a right sided winger/ten, he leads the line centrally for Senegal, and this is where United see him operating best. 

On paper, this would be a smart signing. Whilst Sarr will come at a cost, he’s Premier League proven and, with Bruno Fernandes playing behind him, would be on the end of a lot of creation. Sarr’s finishing ability one v one is elite, and this would compliment United’s style of play superbly. 

For Palace, Sarr would be almost irreplaceable. Signed for just £13 million two years ago after a long-term scouting project by former Sporting Director Dougie Freedman, Sarr was initially acquired to replace Michael Olise. 

Many fans thought that was impossible, with the Frenchman already showing signs that he’d become the player he is today at Bayern Munich and for France. However, Sarr not only replaced the output of the former Reading man, he improved it. 19 goal contributions in his first full season was then bettered by 22 for Palace this campaign, his Palace showreel including a handful of strikes at Wembley en route to Palace’s FA Cup triumph. 

Whilst cashing in on a player Palace would hope for a big sale on would benefit the long term model, Sarr still has three years on his current terms. Palace are therefore in no rush to part ways with their star man, unless a bid comes in that is simply too good to turn down. 

The report also suggests that Italian giants Juventus are also keen, but a move to a side that has struggled domestically in recent seasons makes little sense for Sarr’s current career progression. 

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly aiming to keep control of transfer spending this Summer, and that may prevent United from splashing out on the likes of Sarr. This is one to watch for sure, and Sarr will likely continue to earn admirers, but Palace must stand firm on a valuation and simply refuse to sell for less.