Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr will need time to process the collapse of his proposed move to Liverpool, says head coach Pierre Sage.

The Senegal attacker, who was the club’s top scorer last season, was linked with a move to Anfield late in the transfer window, but ended up staying at Selhurst Park.

Sage admitted: “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.”

Sarr, 28, has yet to feature for Palace this season, missing Premier League defeats at Everton and home to Manchester City with a groin injury. He will remain sidelined for Saturday’s trip to Fulham (15:00 BST).

With uncertainty over Sarr’s future, Palace were in talks with Belgium forward Malick Fofana on deadline day, but the 21-year-old chose to leave Lyon for Sunderland in a deal worth £30m.

“We gave our best,” added Frenchman Sage on the negotiations. “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.”

Saturday’s opponents Fulham are also seeking their first Premier League point after losing their first two games, at home to Chelsea and away at Sunderland.