Liverpool face race against time for Ismaïla Sarr after Crystal Palace reject improved bid

Liverpool's frantic late-window pursuit of Ismaïla Sarr has hit a significant roadblock. Crystal Palace have knocked back a second bid from the Reds as negotiations over a potential deal for the Senegal international hang in the balance, leaving Anfield chiefs racing against the clock to thrash out an agreement before the deadline.

The friction behind the scenes has reached boiling point. Sarr has completely scrubbed his Instagram profile of any trace of Crystal Palace, removing all photos and links to the club in a classic modern-day statement of intent.

Compounding matters, the Senegal winger has reportedly taken matters into his own hands by going on strike and refusing to train at the Eagles' Beckenham base as he desperately tries to force through a move to Anfield before the window slams shut.

He has widely been reported as 'desperate' to make the move to Merseyside, and follow in his compatriot Sadio Mané's footsteps.

While the long-awaited announcement of Bradley Barcola's arrival on Monday has finally happened the Anfield hierarchy show no signs of stopping.

With an array of wingers continually linked with moves to Merseyside, it is clear that Andoni Iraola is demanding serious strength in depth out wide.

Amid that frantic reshuffle of the forward line, the future of Cody Gakpo remains firmly hanging in the balance, with the Dutchman's next steps subject to mounting speculation as the transfer window enters it's frantic final 24hours.

Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport announced that Sarr "no longer wants to wear the Crystal Palace shirt" as the Reds push for another winger.

Gakpo is, however, expected to stay should the move not materialise.

Crystal Palace have not been kind to Liverpool when it comes to transfer dealings in recent seasons. The mind wanders back to the Marc Guehi saga of last summer - and it feels like this will be going down a similar route.

Do Liverpool need him?

This is the point of contention. Sarr is right-footed, and has played across the front line, either on the left, right or as a second striker.

Liverpool already have enough right-footed wingers. Barcola, Gakpo, Victor Munoz, Rio Ngumoha and Federico Chiesa are all right-footed. The Reds desperately need someone who is able to take advantage of different angles that a left-footer is able to use more comfortably.

It explains why there were also links to Chelsea's Estevao and Bournemouth's Rayan today, alongside previous rumours around Yankuba Minteh, but it does seem that the Reds are pushing hard for Sarr.

This unfortunately feels like the story of the summer. Poor transfer market dealing, alongside irresponsible squad planning.

Liverpool have had months to plan for Mohamed Salah's departure, and leaving it to the last two days of the transfer window feels frustrating for Liverpool fans worldwide.

With plenty more twists and turns surely to come, all eyes will be on FlightRadar and twitter to see who Liverpool will be linked with next.

Liverpool's squad come Friday's game against Ipswich town will be very, very interesting.

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