Watford have rejected a loan offer from Manchester United for winger Ismaila Sarr.

The Hornets would prefer to keep the player, or at least sell him for a substantial fee rather than send him out on loan for the season.

The two clubs remain in talks over a potential move for the Senegalese international but an agreement is not in place just yet.

A fee of around £45million has been discussed, staggered payments suggested by Watford.

United are understood to be keen on completing a move today, so they can register the player for this season's Champions League.

The deadline for registration is tomorrow, meaning that even if United bought the player in the remaining days of the domestic window, which closes on October 16, the player would be unavailable for European action.

Their offer is believed to have included an option to buy close to Watford's valuation, but the Hornets would like to recieve some money up front, should they part ways with the player.