Watford confident of wrapping up club record deal for Ismaila Sarr and holding onto Abdoulaye Doucoure

Watford are hoping to finish the transfer window with a flourish by keeping hold of midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure and tying up a deal for Rennes winger Ismaila Sarr.

Midfielder Doucoure has attracted late interest from Everton, but their £30million valuation is way off an offer that would tempt Watford into selling.

The Frenchman was linked with Paris Saint-Germain back in January and his £50m asking price then is a fairer reflection of what Watford value the player at.

The lateness of Everton’s approach is also counting against them as it would leave the Hornets little time to find a replacement.

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Watford are under no financial pressure to sell after banking £20m from the sale of Dodi Lukebakio to Hertha Berlin last week and as a result Doucoure is expected to still be a Hornets player when the transfer window closes on Thursday.

Keeping hold of Doucoure will be a major coup for the club, while they also look set to hold onto fellow key players Gerard Deulofeu and Roberto Pereyra.

Watford want to top off retaining that trio by adding winger Sarr and talks are ongoing with Rennes over a club-record deal.

Standard Sport understands a deal for the 21-year-old was close last week, but since then negotiations have stalled.

The sticking point for any potential move is understood to be Sarr’s asking price, with Watford valuing him at around £25m but Rennes holding out for at least £30m.

With time running out it is hoped a compromise can be made, though, and there is optimism that a deal can be done.

Watford have been tracking Sarr during the whole transfer window, but the winger’s involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations and his subsequent holiday has delayed talks.

The Senegal international is keen on the move and the chance to prove himself in England.

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