Atalanta have jumped ahead of Premier League rivals in the race for Metz whizkid Pape Matar Sarr.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are all keen on the youngster ahead of this month's transfer deadline.

Indeed, Metz president Bernard Serin was due in London on Monday for talks with interested clubs.

But Sky Italia via Le 10 Sport says it's Atalanta which have made a first move, tabling a €20m cash offer for Sarr - which Serin has promptly turned down.

Instead, Serin is seeking €40m to sell Sarr this month.

The 18 year-old Sarr is a senior Senegal international and plays as a defensive midfielder for Metz. He only moved to France less than a year ago after being spotted by Metz scouts at the Generation Foot academy in Senegal.

With a deal to 2025, Sarr played 26 first team games with Metz, scoring four goals.

- updated August 18