Sadio Mane is set to leave Bayern Munich this summer with Manchester United emerging as a shock transfer option for the former Liverpool forward.
Mane joined Bayern Munich in a £35.1million agreement from Anfield last summer. The experienced forward pulled the curtain down on six trophy-laden seasons at the Merseyside club after making it clear he wanted a new challenge.
The Senegalese star hit 120 goals for Liverpool in 269 appearances and collected six major honours during his time in Klopp’s side, who have struggled to adapt to life without the forward – who proved to be consistently excellent across his Anfield stint.
However, things have not gone to plan for the forward at Bayern. The 31-year-old was returning to action after being suspended by the German champions for a Bundesliga clash last month after allegedly hitting teammate Leroy Sane following their 3-0 Champions League defeat at Man City.
The former Reds forward was excluded from Bayern's Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena as punishment alongside a hefty fine. Due to form and fitness issues, Mane has struggled to establish himself as a regular in the club’s attack with competition from the likes of Sane, Serge Gnabry and Thomas Muller.
While he struggled for consistency under former boss Julian Nagelsmann, he has not enjoyed an upturn in fortunes under Thomas Tuchel. He played just six minutes of the weekend win over Schalke and Sky Sport Germany have reported that the forward has no future at the club and will be sold this summer.
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Only Premier League clubs are likely to be able to afford the experienced forward, but a move to Liverpool is unlikely due to Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo being among the high-profile arrivals in recent times.
The same reports in Germany claim that Manchester United, along with Newcastle, are the two clubs most likely to sign Mane. The Senegalese forward admitted in an interview last year that he previously had an agreement to move to Old Trafford (in 2016) prior to Liverpool moving for him.
"I have to say, I was really close to going to Manchester United," Mane told the Daily Telegraph. "I had the contract there. I had it all agreed. It was all ready, but instead, I thought, 'No, I want to go to Liverpool.'
"I was convinced to go with (Jurgen) Klopp's project. I still remember the first time I got the call from Klopp. He said, 'We have a big project at Liverpool and I want you to be part of it.'
"Then he asked what position I wanted because he could see at Southampton I played on the right side and I used to play on the left. I said I prefer left, and then he said, 'But (Philippe) Coutinho is on the left!' So I said, never mind, I will play on the right. I could see myself in all the positions."
United are keen to bolster their attack this summer with the signing of a high-profile central striker alongside further additions. The futures of Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho are both unclear, while Amad is likely to play a role following a successful loan spell at Sunderland.
