Liverpool have rejected Bayern Munich's opening approach for Sadio Mane, deeming their total offer worth £25million an unreasonable valuation of the 30-year-old.
Uncertainty continues to grow over the future over the Senegalese star, whose desire to leave the Reds emerged the day after the recent Champions League final defeat at the hands of Real Madrid.
Bayern are considered the favourites to strike a deal for Mane and have made their first move for the Liverpool forward, tabling a fee believed to be £21million plus £4million in add-ons - a large chunk of which would only be earned should Julian Nagelsmann’s side win the Champions League in the future.
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The ECHO understands Liverpool officials immediately rejected that opening bid for Mane after it came through late last week, holding the view that anything well below market value doesn’t even constitute a conversation.
The Bundesliga side will now face the challenge of going back to the drawing board to produce an improved proposal.
Germany outlet Bild also believe that will be the case, claiming 'further rounds' of negotiations are to follow in the 'contract poker' for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winner. A three-year deal is expected to be the length of contract put forward as talks continue between both parties.
Mane opened up on his Anfield future at a Senegal press conference on Friday, telling reporters: “Isn't it between 60 to 70% of Senegalese want me to leave Liverpool? I will do what they want. We will see soon! The future will tell us.”
He later clarified those comments after the game on Saturday night, where he scored a hat-trick to become Senegal’s all-time top scorer. Speaking to Canal+, he said: "I spoke yesterday while joking with a bit of humour and it was everywhere. I think we'll stop there. Liverpool is a club I respect a lot. The fans adopted me since day one. Regarding the future, we'll see.”
As previously reported by the ECHO, Jurgen Klopp would like a replacement lined up before any move for Mane is sanctioned. Liverpool are not setting a firm asking price for their no.10 , but initial indications were that offers above £40m would be needed to open negotiations.
