According to reports from The Express, manager Ronald Koeman has insisted Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester United target Sadio Mane won’t be allowed to leave Southampton during the January transfer window – even if the club receive a world-record £100million offer.
The Senegal winger was subject to a £20million bid from Manchester United last summer after notching up ten goals debut Premier League campaign – including a three-minute hat-trick against Aston Villa in May.
The Saints rejected the offer but Mane’s impressive form – bagging three goals and five assists in 14 Premier League appearances this season – has continued to attract admirers.
The Red Devils have been linked with the 23-year-old once again ahead of the January transfer window, whilst Premier League rivals Chelsea and European giants Bayern Munich have also taken an interest.
Southampton reportedly value their flying wide man at around £40million, but manager Ronald Koeman has insisted that no price can convince the club to sell next month.
As quoted by The Express, he said in today’s pre-match press conference ahead of the Saints’ Premier League clash with Aston Villa tomorrow; “Already we spoke about that situation. We sell nobody in January. Nobody – not even if they pay £100m.
“I think that Mane can still improve in some cleverness to know what his position is on the pitch, both inside and outside. I think that still he can be more dangerous if he knows exactly the moment to have that movement in the space behind the defenders. In front of the goal he can be more of a scoring player but he is young – 23 years old – and a great player. It is a pleasure to work with him.”