Tottenham were interested in Watford attacker Sarr in January window

The Athletic claim Tottenham were interested in signing Watford attacker Ismaila Sarr in the January window but Fabio Paratici chose not to make an offer for the Senegal star – who remains at least until the summer, in the Championship.

Sarr, 24, has entered the final 18 months of his contract. Joining Watford in the summer of 2019, he has since clocked up 116 appearances for the Hornets, having a hand in 53 goals. In the Premier League, has played 50 times for his side.

In that time, 10 goals, eight assists – and numerous links with other Premier League clubs. That interest has remained since Watford were relegated. On deadline day, The Athletic said Everton made a £32m bid – a loan, with an obligation.

Now, the report claims Spurs were actually looking at Sarr as a possible signing. But no offer materialised with Spurs focusing on other attacking targets. In the end, Paratici raided Villarreal for Arnaut Danjuma – hijacking Everton’s deal.

Spurs were clearly intent on bringing in an attacker in January. They did so in the form of Netherlands star Danjuma, who scored on his debut for Spurs in a 3-0 FA Cup win over Preston. Danjuma can play anywhere in the front three.

Similarly, so can Sarr. But the difference is that Watford will have wanted a permanent sale straight away in order to spend the cash throughout January to improve Slaven Bilic’s injury-hit side. Danjuma has allowed Spurs to do a loan.

It is likely that Sarr leaves in the summer. His deal will enter the final 12 months this summer, Watford will be forced to cash in if they want a fee for a player Ben Foster said is a “freak”. It remains to be seen if Spurs will still be interested.