According to reports from Mirror Football, Chelsea have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Southampton star Sadio Mane.
After bagging an impressive ten goals in 30 appearances during his debut Premier League campaign – including a three-minute hat-trick against Aston Villa last May, the Saints attacker was subject to interest from Manchester United during the summer, with some sources alleging a bid around the £20million mark.
The Senegal star stayed put at St. Mary’s but has continued to impress. He’s claimed three goals and four assists in 13 Premier League appearances this term whilst proving instrumental in a shock 3-1 win over Chelsea and a 1-1 draw with Liverpool – demonstrating the 23-year-old’s ability to impact at a much higher level through his penetrative pace, creativity and netting prowess.
The Red Devils have been linked again ahead of the January transfer window, with manager Louis van Gaal known to be on the prowl for speedy additions out wide. But United are no longer alone in the race to sign Mane, according to Mirror Football, as Premier League champions Chelsea join the hunt for the 5 foot 9 attacker.
Southampton, however, are doing everything in their power to stop Mane leaving. Reports last month revealed they will only sell the flying forward for around £40million and according to Mirror Football, Ronald Koeman’s side are now looking to extend his contract past the end of the 2017/18 season. But seemingly destined to one day test himself at Champions League level, it feels inevitable Mane will leave the club sooner or later.