Manchester United could face a tough challenge to sign their January transfer target Sadio Mane as Bayern Munich entered the race to hijack the Southampton striker.
Back in summer United’s bid for Mane was rejected after manager Louis van Gaal launched a late pursuit to sign the Senegalese youngster, even though they offered almost £20m for the 23-year-old, United were eventually knocked back by the Saints and now it is suggested that Southampton will look to double the sum if Manchester United or Bayern Munich wants to sign him in the winter.
Both Man United and Bayern Munich have an urgency to strengthen their up front; United perhaps more eager with Wayne Rooney still struggling for goals whereas both Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben battling with an injury in Munich.
Mane so far has enjoyed an impressive run with Southampton since his arrival in 2014 summer and has already netted 17 times in his 18-month stay in English football’s top flight.
But Daily Mail suggests, Southampton not in a mood to do business with United and the youngster could be offered a choice to move to Bundesliga following Bayern Munich’s interest in bidding a lucrative transfer offer in January. However, Chelsea are also said to be eyeing Mane, although the current scenario suggests, the player would prefer Manchester United if his club decides to sell him to an EPL club.
The possibility of a transfer in January is not looking that much happening, with the Saints looking for minimum £40m to let go one of their most talented players, and the interest from Bundesliga champions will only inspire them to try and start an interesting bidding war.
However, Southampton are already searching for replacements for Mane as the Saints have accepted that they will have no other choice but to sell him next summer if the interest remains active. Earlier this week Southampton manager Ronald Koeman said that if the club would have spent on the right players, they would not have been “left behind” in Premier League. The club have earned large by selling Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathan Clyne in the summer, while last year Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Rickie Lambert and Calum Chambers’ departure gave the club more than £60m.
The Saint’s hierarchy still hoping that Mane can be tied down with a new contract, while his current contract set to expire in 2018, but so far preliminary talks haven’t proved convincing.