Crystal Palace target Ismaila Sarr ‘could turn out to be a bargain’ as the race for his signature begins to heat up, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 24-year-old is widely expected to depart Watford this summer after suffering his second relegation in three years with the club and could end up making the switch to Selhurst Park.

What is the latest news involving Sarr?

According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux, Palace are said to be ‘especially’ interested in Sarr, whilst Everton, Newcastle United and an unnamed German club are also listed as potential suitors.

It is claimed that Eagles manager Patrick Vieira ‘greatly appreciates’ the Senegal international, who could be available for less than €35 million (£29.8m) when the market reopens for business.

Sarr was once linked with Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United after making a fast start to life on English shores following his move from Rennes in August 2019.

However, those high-profile transfers failed to materialise for Sarr, and now he seems destined to finally end an underwhelming spell with Watford.

What has Jones said about Sarr?

When asked if Sarr was a realistic target for Palace given his list of admirers, Jones told GiveMeSport that he would be ‘a good fit’ for the capital club, but that they must avoid a ‘bidding war’ with mega-rich Newcastle.

He said to GMS: “That's the key for Crystal Palace, you can't get involved in a bidding war with Newcastle this summer, that’s something that everybody wants to avoid.

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“But I do think it'd be a good fit for Crystal Palace, to be honest with you, and I think that he'd be excited about joining up with Vieira on the back of what he's done so far.

“This guy has been priced at around £30-£40 million in the last 18 months, and he was linked with Manchester United; you’ll get him cheaper than that right now. So, anything could turn out to be a bargain.”

Would Sarr be a good signing?

Despite being in a side that won just six Premier League games all season, Sarr still registered a respectable five goals and two assists in 22 top-flight fixtures last season and was previously labelled a "big talent" by Gary Neville.

And his underlying numbers were also healthy. As per WhoScored, the creative talent had 1.8 shots, made one key pass and completed 1.5 dribbles per league game, placing him in the top two amongst his teammates for each metric.

Palace already have the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise occupying their flanks, but another top-quality addition in attack could elevate Vieira’s charges to new heights.