Liverpool have been warned that losing Sadio Mane could ruin the progress they've made under Jurgen Klopp.
The Senegal international has been one of Klopp's most important players since he signed him from Southampton in 2016, but Mane's contract expires at the end of next season, and Liverpool had been hoping to extend his deal.
However, they may have waited too long, and Mane is apparently now seeking a move elsewhere. And that's seen former star Dean Saunders urge his old club to 'pay him what he wants', warning that losing their No.10 could 'knock them sideways'
Speaking on TalkSPORT, Saunders said: "I think he's irreplaceable. I would argue the fact that he's probably in the top three players in the world right now. Salah, Mane, De Bruyne.
"I've watched the way he plays but as a striker he finds little pockets, he drifts from the wing, drifts inside. His legs are like concrete, strong, he's quick as lightning and scores goals.
"Diaz is a good replacement but they've just got to give him what he wants. I'm sorry to say, I know it sounds bad, but just give him what he wants. Liverpool are doing really well at the moment and losing somebody like him could knock them sideways."
Thankfully for Liverpool, they've signed Luis Diaz, who certainly looks like a ready-made replacement. But Mane has been performing at his best this season, and losing him from the front line would be a brutal blow.
The news comes as a shock as Liverpool were just two games away from completing the quadruple, with many considering that they are one of the best teams in the world. But it just goes to show that even they aren't invincible, as Mane's intentions have humbled them.
All of the contract talk has been about Salah this season, but while there has been a growing sense of concern about the Egyptian's future, Mane's situation has gone under the radar. It was always unlikely that Klopp was going to be able to keep all of his stars happy, but it's still come as a shock.
With Salah seen as Liverpool's main man, Mane may want to step out of his shadow and become top dog elsewhere. Bayern Munich are favourites to sign him, and with Robert Lewandowski hinting about a move elsewhere, Mane could become their new centre-forward.
