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Crystal Palace have taken another giant step towards signing former Watford and Marseille man Ismaila Sarr and have agreed personal terms, LondonWorld has been told.

The 26-year-old is one of the players that the French club is looking to sell to raise funds and reduce the wage bill under new manager Roberto de Zerbi.

The two clubs are still locked in negotiations as they look to agree on a fee, even though LondonWorld has been told the Senegal international is open to a return to the Premier League and feels he has unfinished business given how his time with Watford ended.

Spanish side Villareal are also said to be interested, but Palace is on the lookout for a winger with goal-scoring ability and Premier League experience, something which Sarr possesses.

The Eagles have held a long-standing interest in Sarr, with former manager Roy Hodgson once describing him as a person with an excellent track record when he briefly managed him at Watford. Hodgson told Watford’s official website: “He’s an important player for the club, there’s no doubt about that.

“His track record is excellent and I’m certain our opponents are very much aware of how dangerous he can be. His work in training this week has been good. We’re still at an early stage with him, but my first impressions of him have been as good as everyone told me they were going to be.”

The Eagles lost Michael Olise, who scored 10 goals last season, as they impressively finished 10th ahead of nemesis Brighton under new manager Oliver Glasner. The loss of the French forward has created space to bring in someone to help soften the blow caused by Olise’s departure.