Talks between Watford and Rennes regarding the potential sale of Ismaila Sarr remain in progress, with agreement on a price thought to be close.

The Watford Observer has been told that the two clubs remain locked in discussions that could go on until the very end of the transfer window, but that Rennes manager Julien Stéphan does now expect the player to leave.

Earlier on in the transfer window, the French club's president Olivier Letang said that he believed there was a possbility the Senegalese winger would stay in Ligue 1 for at least one more season, with Watford's interest at that stage not believed to be robust enough.

"Only Watford have shown a real interest in the player," he said.

"We'd be very happy if Isma stayed with us for another year."

However, talks have since progressed as Watford move towards what would be a club record transfer fee, should they manage to complete the signing.

A fee of around €30million has been quoted for the player, who scored a total of 13 goals in all competitions for Rennes last season, helping them to a 10th-place finish in the French top flight.

Reports in France yesterday suggested that a deal was "very close".