Liverpool could be in the market for a replacement for Sadio Mane after reports emerged that the Senegal international will look to leave Anfield during the summer transfer window...CONTINUE READING
Real Madrid had barely lifted the Champions League trophy before Liverpool were dealt another major blow.
The Reds’ memorable season on a sour note, as they were beaten 1-0 by Madrid in Paris, with events off the pitch only serving to marr the occasion further. And just hours after defeat in the French capital, reports emerged that Sadio Mane would look to leave the club.
The Senegal international has 12 months remaining on his current Anfield contract, but it has now been suggested he will look to leave this summer. Liverpool are said to be holding out for around £50million for Mane, while they will only sanction his exit on the proviso of them finding a replacement.
Mirror Football takes a look at the latest both on Mane’s future and any players that could be coming the other way as Klopp and Liverpool look to go one better in the Premier League and Champions League next season.
Mane latest
The Athletic report that Liverpool would rather let Mane walk for nothing, than not get the kind of transfer fee they believe Mane is worth. Having failed to reach an agreement with the forward during the season, there was an internal fear that a club from abroad could capitalise on the situation.
Bayern Munich are reportedly the front runners, but any suggestions of a cut-price deal have been dismissed by Anfield bosses. New sporting director Julian Ward will drive a hard bargain and there is a feeling that the Reds won’t be forced into a sale they are not completely happy with.
Nunez emerges as target
Liverpool “will do everything” to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, according to reports in Portugal.
Correlo da Manha report that the Reds; along with Chelsea, Barcelona, Manchester United and Newcastle are all keen on signing the 22-year-old, who is valued at around £85million by the Portuguese giants. Klopp got a first-hand glimpse of the prolific Uruguayan striker earlier this year, as he scored during the 3-3 draw at Anfield back in April.
“Really good, really good, I have to say,” the German boss said of Nunez. “I knew him before, of course, but he played pretty much in front of me with these tough battles with Ibou Konate.
“Physically strong, quick, was calm around his finish when he finished the goal off. Good, really good. Obviously how you say in these situations, if he stays healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.”
In the race for Dembele
Ousmane Dembele would fit the bill of a Mane replacement perfectly and Spanish news outlet SPORT claims the Reds are now in the race to sign the soon-to-be free agent.
The Frenchman’s contract at the Camp Nou is set to expire in the coming weeks and there is now a suggestion that the Reds are in contact with his representatives over a move this summer. It is reported that Liverpool made ‘some attempt’ in January, but see the possibility this summer as a good market opportunity.
Barcelona still hope to keep him at the club, having impressed in the second half of the season under Xavi. Chelsea are also said to be monitoring the situation, with Dembele listening to all proposals before making a decision.
