Liverpool could look to land Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr from Watford before the transfer window shuts on October 5 once they have wrapped up the acquisition of Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich, it has been suggested.

And rather than sign another central defender, it is wide-man Sarr who has emerged as Liverpool’s main target in the remaining weeks of the summer window.

The Daily Star say Liverpool could even make an approach for the 22-year-old, who mustered five goals and six assists in 28 games in his first season in English football last term.

Two of those strikes came in Watford’s 3-0 demolition of Liverpool at Vicarage Road in January which ended their unbeaten Premier League streak.

The Senegal international, a team-mate of Sadio Mane’s, has long been tracked by the Reds having joined Watford from Rennes 12 months ago in a club-record £30m fee.

Liverpool want cover for their first-choice front three of Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino and Sarr’s ability to play on the left, right or through the middle appeals.

The fact the African attacker is still just 22 is also a plus point and he would surely be accepting of a reserve role to start with, particularly given he is said to idolise countryman Mane, who could help him adjust to life at Liverpool.

It has been widely mooted that he could cost £40m but the Daily Mail say the Hornets’ asking price is a little lower, at around £36m.

While an official bid has not been made, a formal bid is reportedly being seriously considered by Anfield chiefs.

The Mail report that Klopp and co. have already made an enquiry about Sarr, who has publicly spoken about a move to Liverpool.

He said last month: “Liverpool are a really great team, everyone would love to play there.

“They won the Premier League this year and the Champions League last year. But also there are great teams in the English league.

“Frankly, I have yet to make a choice. If [I were to leave], I just hope it’s to a good team.”

“Everyone who works is looking for advancement. Maybe if Watford frees me one day I could go and play for a bigger team. Go and showcase my talent elsewhere and then win trophies.

“Playing the Champions League is a dream for all players.

“I have already had the pleasure of playing in the Europa League so if these teams want to have me in their squads, let them discuss it with Watford and find an agreement, I would not say no.”