Ismael Sarr of Senegal

Struggling Watford in the English Premier League appear having more strength contending with African national teams than subduing oppositions in the league.

After the controversial exclusion of Nigeria's in-form poacher, Emmanuel Denis, Watford have reportedly turned their sights on Ismael Sarr, in a bid to bar the winger from joining Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.

According to a Cameroon publication, sportsglitz, the Secretary General of the Senegalese Football Federation, in an official statement made on New Year Day, aired the Federation's concerns, regarding how the club is dealing with Saar's call – up.

'English club Watford, notified us on a decision of clutching to Sarr,' Victor Seh, the Senegalese FA SG, opined.

'The Senegalese Football Federation wishes to express by this press release its deep condemnation of the disrespect and discriminatory behavior of the leaders of Watford, who seek by all means to prevent a player from playing with the national team.'

Watford as a franchise on its own are yet to reply to the statement. However, in the case of Emmanuel Denis, Watford boss Claudio Ranieri had said that the club received the email informing them of Dennis' call up "late" and that meant the decision was in the Premier League side's hands.

"The email arrived late," Ranieri said. "The national team has a time to send a pre-call.

"They have a time when they need to send a precall; if they don't send it, we can choose." Ranieri ended.

The premier league is expected to release African players on January 3.