Despite L’Equipe claiming just over a week ago that Watford were ‘confident’ of signing Ismaila Sarr from Rennes this summer, the Ligue 1 side’s president thinks otherwise.

In a rather candid press conference, Olivier Létang decided to set the record straight on all the rumours surrounding the French side, including the future of their star forward.

The Hornets are a known fan of the player, wanting him to bolster their attack as they look to build on last season’s rather successful campaign, but their first offer, believed to be of around €30m, was rebuked.

Since then, according to Létang, there hasn’t been much movement.

He said, relayed by Foot Mercato: “We haven’t had an offer since last time. The English club hasn’t come back to us. I won’t give you a number. Right now, we’re happy if he stays an extra year. The English market closes in 17 days. The chances of him staying with us are really strong.

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“Yes, it’s Watford (who placed a bid). Other clubs enquired, but without making a firm offer. Today, we’re trying to do what’s best for the club. We spoke about it with the manager. If Ismaila stays an extra year with us, we’d be happy. If a club comes in and makes an offer, we’ll talk about it”.

So Watford know what to do now if they really want Ismaila Sarr at Vicarage Road next season: pay up.

A previous report in L’Equipe suggested Rennes would want around €40m for the Senegal international who scored 13 goals and assisted teammates 11 times in 50 appearances last season in all competitions.