Liverpool rush into crucial Sadio Mane negotiations after transfer developments

Liverpool have reportedly scheduled urgent talks with the representatives of Sadio Mane in a bid to resolve his future after Bayern Munich registered their interest in the striker.

The Reds, fresh from winning the FA Cup, have contractual issues in abundance at Anfield. Mo Salah’s future remains unresolved while Mane is also out of contract in the summer of 2023.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are preparing for Tuesday’s Premier League clash with Southampton. A defeat will hand Man City the title, while a draw will also leave Liverpool looking for a final-day win and a defeat for their rivals, as well as praying to overhaul a goal difference of seven.

But Liverpool officials have the future of Mane to deal with. And they will arrange to speak to his agents in the “coming days”.

Fabrizio Romano has told Caughtoffside: “For Mane there is not only Bayern, it’s not advanced yet: the Liverpool board will have a contact with his agents in the coming days to discuss the future of the Senegalese winger.”

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed Bayern’s interest in the 30-year-old is genuine. Furthermore, he has lifted the lid on their growing efforts to lure the Senegal star to Bavaria.

There have been no talks between the two clubs. But Plettenberg states that Mane is Bayern’s ‘desired top transfer of the summer’ and that discussions have taken place.

That has prompted Liverpool’s assistant sporting director Julian Ward to approach Mane’s entourage over his future.

Mane’s future also seems to be indirectly linked to that of Robert Lewandowski.

Prolific Poland striker Lewandowski could be ready to swap the Bundesliga for LaLiga.

“Barcelona have been working to sign Robert Lewandowski since February,” Romano said. “The player is tempted by the possibility of playing in Spain.

Lewandowski interest could have knock on effect for Mane

“It all started in the summer of 2021 because Paris Saint-Germain had contacted him. But Bayern had not even wanted to negotiate a price. Lewandowski was waiting for a contract extension proposal that did not arrive for months, and so now he would like to leave Germany as soon as possible.

“Barcelona want him as a priority and there have already been three direct contacts with his agent Pini Zahavi. In the next few days, Lewandowski will push again to leave Bayern, while the club wants to try to keep him until June 2023.

“This deal is not directly linked to Sadio Mane’s future – certainly Mane is on Bayern’s list and has been discussed with his agent. But it is considered a different position. And therefore it can be important to understand Serge Gnabry’s future because there is still no agreement even for his contract.”

Mane has blasted 22 goals this season from 49 games. And remains one of the first names on Jurgen Klopp’s team sheet.

The £34m that Liverpool paid Southampton in 2016 remains one of their best ever pieces of transfer business.

His exit would be a huge loss to Klopp and Co, which could be compounded by Salah’s departure.

Ward is expected to determine what Mane’s future plans are after turning 30 in April.