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Ismaila Sarr will need time to “digest” the collapse of his proposed transfer to Liverpool, Crystal Palace head coach Pierre Sage has said.

The Senegal international had seemed to be edging closer to a move to Anfield late in the transfer window before the deal broke down at the last moment. The 28-year-old, who finished as Palace’s top scorer last season, will now stay at Selhurst Park.

Sage said: “He has to digest for sure because it's a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club (Liverpool).

“He had a good opportunity but in the end it didn't work. If he wants to continue, you have to have a good season with us as he did last year. We know he needs time.

“Like every bad situation, time does the job and we need time for that.”

Liverpool looked at moves for both Sarr and Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, but were unable to agree a fee for either player. That led to them turning down an £80m offer from rivals Manchester City for Cody Gakpo, with no replacement lined up for the Dutch forward.

Sarr has not yet featured for Palace this season after missing their Premier League opener, a loss at Everton, and a 4-1 thrashing at home by Manchester City because of a groin injury. He will also miss the Eagles’ trip to Fulham on Saturday, with both teams still chasing their first point of the new season.

Palace had been in discussions with Lyon winger Malick Fofana when Sarr’s future at the club appeared uncertain. They seemed set to beat Sunderland to the Belgium international’s signature, but he eventually chose a move to the north-east club on deadline day instead.

Sage said, “We gave our best,” about negotiations for the 21-year-old. “At the end of the day the player chose his criteria and I wish him and them the best because he's a good guy and a good player.”