It's time for your Liverpool FC morning digest on Sunday, June 5.
Sadio Mane transfer riddle could be in danger of harming Liverpool legacy
Goodbyes can often be difficult. But some ways of bidding farewell are better than others. And that Sadio Mane seems intent on riddling his way out of Liverpool is starting to perplex Reds supporters.
"Isn't it between 60 to 70% of Senegalese want me to leave Liverpool?" said the forward on Friday as he spoke ahead of his country's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin. "I will do what they want. We will see soon! The future will tell us."
Beg your pardon, Sadio? Mind you, it is in keeping with his ducking and diving regards debate over what his plans are for next season, given Mane is approaching the last 12 months of his current Liverpool contract with serious talks over a new deal having not yet been initiated.
READ MORE: Son Heung-min interest justified as Liverpool search for Sadio Mane replacement
"This question I will answer after the Champions League," he said during the media day before last Saturday's final against Real Madrid. "I'm going to answer after the Champions League.”
A little later that same afternoon, the Senegalese elaborated on his intention. "Come back to me on Saturday and I will give you the best answer you want to hear, for sure," said Mane. "It’s special. I will give you all you want to hear then. Saturday, come back and I will give you the answer I promise."
Saturday came and went with no word from Mane, albeit the circumstances of the evening - defeat for Liverpool on an occasion marred by the mistreatment of supporters - meant he was perhaps wise to keep his counsel.
And while Mane appeared happy enough on the trophy parade the following day, reports were already circulating the player had informed Liverpool of his desire to leave with Bayern Munich said to be readying a €30million offer. The Reds, for their part, said at the time they'd not been told anything by the forward nor received any interest from potential suitors, and in any case would only entertain a bid significantly in excess of what Bayern were claimed to be considering.
It was perhaps the first sign Liverpool accept the player could leave this summer - but only for the price they believe he is worth. So to Friday, when it emerged out of Senegal that Mane had been teasing further on his future plans. And it rubbed many Reds fans up the wrong way.
Read the full story HERE.
Ibrahima Konate decision has further justified Liverpool £36m transfer option
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has been rewarded for his strong end to the season with a first call-up to the France national team.
And it provides further proof of why the £36million transfer Jurgen Klopp green-lit for his services last summer could well prove something of a bargain. Konate has been drafted into the France squad by coach Didier Deschamps to replace Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, who has a thigh problem.
The 23-year-old centre-back will join up with the party this weekend in Split ahead of France's UEFA Nations League game against Croatia on Monday. Konate will also be available for the game in Austria on Friday and the reverse fixture against Croatia three days later in Paris.
The Liverpool man had previously represented his country from under-16s through to the U21s for whom he won 13 caps, the most recent of which came in last year's UEFA European U21 Championship.
Read the full story HERE.
