Liverpool’s transfer plans take shape as Ismaila Sarr considered

Liverpool’s wheels may not be up yet, but they are preparing to take flight in this summer’s transfer window.

The new-look version of this year’s market officially started back on July 27, but it took the Premier League champions 10 days before they set about attempting to add to a squad that won the title by 18 points.

A £10million opening gambit for Norwich left-backJamal Lewis was the subdued statement of intent from the club’s recruitment team this week.

The Northern Ireland international impressed Jurgen Klopp and his staff last term, with the club’s analytics team keen to share the numbers posted by the 22-year-old.

Club insiders likened a potential move for Lewis to that of the deal to bring Andy Robertson to the club three years ago from Hull City. A relegated left-back turning up impressive numbers in a struggling team, available at a reasonable price.

The one draw back, from Liverpool’s perspective, was their uncertainty over Lewis’s willingness to accept a spot as Robertson’s backup for the time being.

However, with those in the corridors of powers seemingly given assurances, Liverpool officially tabled an offer on Thursday.

It was promptly rejected by the Canaries, who want closer to £20m and with the two clubs so far apart in their valuations at present, expect talks to continue between respective sporting directors Michael Edwards and Stuart Webber.

Elsewhere in what is still slated to be a quiet summer, the name of Watford attacker Ismaila Sarr has surfaced. A report earlier this week claimed the Reds were one of three clubs to have made an enquiry for the Senegal frontman.

Those reports were premature but it is understood Sarr is someone on the Anfield shortlist. At the age of 22, his profile and ceiling is an interesting prospect for a club who aim to catch a star before they have risen.

Liverpool are continuing to search for players who can add quality depth to certain areas and Sarr is someone who matches up well in that regard.

A versatile international with his best years ahead of him, Sarr could be a good alternative to the likes of Mane and Mohamed Salah in the wide areas. Particularly if he can be purchased at a knockdown price.

The ECHO has learned that the club’s recruitment team are keeping tabs on the forward but it is unclear at this stage whether that will mean a formal bid will be forthcoming this summer.

Sarr’s next destination, wherever that may be, is likely to see him remain a Premier League player, meaning Liverpool may feel it necessary to remain admiring from a far as he continues to develop and improve as a player.

As a close friend of Sadio Mane, the Reds have an additional bargaining chip for the player himself should their interest turn into a formal bid.

Brighton defender Ben White, it is believed, was scouted extensively last season and impressed in the Championship while on loan at Leeds United.

The 22-year-old…