According to reports from The Telegraph yesterday morning, Manchester United are expected to launch a bid exceeding £20million for Southampton star Sadio Mane.
The Senegal international has been identified as the club’s preferred alternative to Barcelona star Pedro who, despite being on the cusp of moving to Old Trafford at the start of last week, is now an official Chelsea player.
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The former Red Bull Salzburg forward has hugely impressed since arriving at St. Mary’s last summer, going on to bag 10 goals in 30 league appearances during his debut season – including the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history in a 6-1 thumping of Aston Villa.
The Saints have made their stance clear following news of United’s interest. A club official immediately informed Sky Sports News that the 23 year-old “is a key part of our team and our planning for the future” just hours after reports first emerged.
Meanwhile, Ronald Koeman told reporters after Southampton’s 1-1 draw with FC Mitdjylland last Thursday; “There is no contact and no bid for nobody and we don’t sell any more players. That is very clear in my opinion.”
According to The Telegraph, however, that hasn’t deterred the Old Trafford outfit, who are ‘expected to bid more than £20million’ before the transfer window slams shut next week.