Liverpool line up bid for Sadio Mane
Liverpool have lined up Southampton forward Sadio Mane as a potential alternative to Mario Gotze.
The ECHO understands that Jurgen Klopp is a big admirer of the Senegal international, having kept tabs on Mane since his days at Red Bull Salzburg.
Mane scored 15 goals for Southampton last season and it is understood that the Reds will face strong competition from the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham for the player’s signature.
No approach has yet been made by Liverpool for the 24-year-old, who is rated at around £25m. Southampton resisted an offer from Man United last summer and are likely to be keen to hang on to their prized asset again this year.
The Reds were actually close to a deal for Mane back in 2014, but then manager Brendan Rodgers declined the chance to sign the forward, who would then move to Southampton in a £12m deal. He has since scored 25 goals in 75 games for the Saints - including a double against the Reds last season as Southampton overturned a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 at St Mary’s.
Liverpool have signed Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne from the South Coast club in the last two years.
Liverpool’s interest comes after Gotze seemingly confirmed his desire to stay at Bayern Munich earlier this week.
Source: Liverpool Echo
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