Liverpool Turn Down Bid From Bayern Munich For Star Player

Liverpool have rejected a £21m offer from Bayern Munich for forward Sadio Mane, according to The Times.

This is reportedly half of what Liverpool’s asking price is for Mane, and it could be forgiven if the hierarchy at Anfield were slightly insulted by the offer. He’s got a year left on his contract, and the Reds value him at around £42.5m.

The Senegalese forward is top of Bayern’s wishlist to replace the outgoing Robert Lewandowski, and after some comments from Mane in the week that he wants to leave, the deal is set to move closer as the weeks go by.

“Like everyone else, I'm on social media and I see the comments,” Mane is quoted as telling reporters.

“Isn't it between 60 to 70 per cent of Senegalese want me to leave Liverpool? I will do what they want. We will see soon. Don't be in a hurry because we will see this together.”

After becoming Senegal’s highest ever scorer yesterday with a hat trick against Benin, Mane backtracked on his comments with Liverpool not even receiving notice of him wanting to leave the football club. “I spoke yesterday while joking with a bit of humour and it was everywhere. I think we’ll stop there.

“Liverpool is a club I respect a lot. The fans adopted me since day one. Regarding the future, we’ll see.” But Liverpool are said to already have their replacement lined up, with Leeds United man Raphinha reportedly of interest. And, despite rumours that the Brazilian will sign for Barcelona, Takumi Minamino could be the key to the Merseysider club securing a deal, with Leeds keen on the Japan international.

The writing is on the wall for Mane and most fans wouldn’t begrudge him for going for a new challenge, but he’ll certainly be a big miss for the Reds after his six years of fantastic service.