According to reports from The Daily Mail, Southampton will knock back any approaches for Sadio Mane in January – but fear that he could leave the club at the end of the season.
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 a £20million bid from Manchester United during the summer.
The Senegal international stayed put at St. Mary’s but has continued to impress, his return of three goals and four assists in 13 Premier League appearances reportedly catching the eye of reigning champions Chelsea.
With Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal making no secret of his desire to sign a speedy winger and the Blues seemingly in need of some midseason impetus to turn their troubled campaign around, both have been tipped to launch bids in the coming transfer window.
But according to The Daily Mail, Southampton will snub any offers for the 23-year-old in January unless they meet the club’s rather outlandish £40million valuation – which seems unlikely to say the least.
However, the British tabloid claim that the Saints are slowly accepting that they will have to cash-in on Mane at the end of the season. They’re hoping to sign the African attacker on extended terms, but he has rejected their advances thus far and with his current deal set to expire in 2018, they may be left with little choice other than to sell next summer.