Liverpool have had no contact from Bayern Munich, despite suggestions of their strong interest in Sadio Mane.
Reports in Germany suggest the Bundesliga giants are ready - after a disappointing European campaign - to splash the cash in the summer, with a striker at the top of their list as doubts linger over the future of their star Robert Lewandowski. Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic met Mane’s agents in Mallorca on Friday night, prompting reports that a potential move for the Senegal forward is on the cards.
Sky Germany have suggested Mane is a priority for Salihamidzic in the summer, especially with suggestions Lewandowski is unhappy with a contract offer from the Munich club, and could leave. Liverpool, though, have heard nothing from either Bayern or Mane’s ROOF agency, who, interestingly, also represent Serge Gnabry, the Bayern Munich winger.
It is understood the talks in Spain with ROOF were surrounding the future of the former Arsenal player, a Germany international forward who has been linked with Liverpool in the past. The Reds have quietly been engaged in contract talks with 30-year-old Mane and boss Jurgen Klopp has stated this season that he believes the winger can play well into his 30s.
But those talks have not yet produced an agreement between the two parties. Time is running out on any deal, because Mane has only 13 months left on his current contract, with runs out in the summer of 2023.
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It would mean he could agree a pre-contract with an overseas club as early as next January and leaves Liverpool with a delicate decision - if no deal is reached - on whether to keep him until he becomes a free agent or cash in.
That decision has not yet been made, with talks apparently ongoing, but Bayern’s interest may force matters to a head. Some reports suggest they will have the finances in place to make a concrete move for Mane if Gnabry or Leroy Sane leave in the summer, though, so far, club representatives have privately distanced themselves from any interest in the Liverpool player.
