Newcastle United have been backed to swoop for Watford winger Ismaila Sarr as he would be an 'exciting signing' for the St James' Park outfit, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Magpies are in a position where they can spend big during the upcoming summer transfer window as they became the richest club in world football when the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund led a £305million takeover last October.

What's the latest news involving Sarr?

Sarr joined Watford for a club-record fee, believed to be worth £40million, in 2019 and has gone on to impress on English shores.

The 24-year-old has seamlessly adjusted to the rigours of the Premier League, with him reaching double figures for goals in the competition earlier this season.

According to The Sun, Sarr has worked his way onto Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe's radar ahead of the reopening of the transfer window.

The report suggests the 41-cap Senegal international will leave Watford regardless of whether the Hornets maintain their top flight status, but Newcastle are expected to face competition from Liverpool - who have sent scouts to Vicarage Road - for Sarr's services.

Spanish sources have claimed Sarr is among Reds boss Jurgen Klopp's top targets due to uncertainty over where the long-term future of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane lies.

But Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Newcastle to win the race for Sarr, with the former Premier League frontman insisting the Watford star would be 'perfect' for Howe's charges.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Sarr?

O'Rourke believes Newcastle are right to be targeting players of Sarr's calibre thanks to the injection of cash the club has enjoyed.

The journalist feels the Senegalese winger, who still has more than two years remaining on his £63,000-per-week contract at Watford, would get Magpies fans off their seats if he heads to St James' Park.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "I think he would be an exciting signing for Newcastle.

"It's probably the market that Newcastle really want to be shopping in right now because these new owners want to be competing with the biggest clubs."

How has Sarr previously performed against Newcastle?

Sarr may be closing in on 90 appearances in Watford colours, but he has only gone head-to-head with Newcastle on two occasions.

However, he has made his mark in both of those clashes as he has registered a goal and an assist against the Magpies.

Although he found the back of the net in the encounter at Vicarage Road earlier this season, it has been claimed that Sarr struggled in one-on-situations against Matt Ritchie, who 'was able to nullify the threat of Watford’s talisman'.