The independent understands that Southampton will block any attempts by Manchester United to sign Sadio Mane as we earlier reported about their interest readsouthampton
There was an inquiry about the winger last week, but now with Louis Van Gaal ending his interest in Barcelona forward Pedro, his next target could be the Saints man. As the current situation stands the Senegal internationals contract still has three years to run on his current deal, with a current valuation of around £15 million. This Leaves the Saints in a position where they don’t really have to sell. Especially after already seeing midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin make the switch from the South Coast to Manchester this summer.
It is understood that the club would be prepared to listen to offers for striker Graziano Pelle who is seven years to Mane’s senior at 30 years old. The Italian has been prolific in his goalscoring and helped get the Saints into Europe last season but will be out of contract at the end of next season.
Mane signed at the same time as Pelle but from Red Bull Salzburg and it is expected that the St Mary’s crowd haven’t quite seen the best of him yet leaving everyone feeling that he is still too early in his development to leave the club.
The 23 year old scored 10 goals for the club in all competitions last season including his record breaking hat trick in the 6-1 thrashing of Aston Villa. It took him two minutes and 56 seconds to put his name in Premier League history. A stat that may well stay the Senegalese international’s for many years to come and be one of the highlights of what promises to be a glittering career if he fulfills his potential.
So, with Southampton looking to keep Sadio Mane, where else should they now look to strengthen?
