According to reports from ESPN this evening, Manchester United have already been knocked back in their pursuit of Southampton winger Sadio Mane.
The Senegal international has been identified as the club’s preferred alternative to Barcelona star Pedro who, despite seeming to be on the cusp of moving to Old Trafford earlier this week, is now set to join Premier League champions Chelsea instead.
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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.
It’s believed the Red Devils are currently preparing a bid around the £15million mark for the 23 year-old, but according to ESPN Southampton have wasted no time in issuing a hands-off warning.
Citing reports from the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (see 18:12), they quote a club official as saying; “He is a key part of our team and our planning for the future. He wouldn’t be sold.”
Whether Louis van Gaal still intends to make an offer for Mane remains to be seen.