Sadio Mane leaves the door open to Newcastle United move amid speculation over his Bayern future

Following a tough first season in Germany, Sadio Mane is already being linked with a move away from Bayern Munich this summer.

However, while many reports suggest the Senegalese forward could be bound for the Saudi Pro League, the man himself is refusing to rule out a shock Premier League return.

Having played for both Southampton and - most notably - Liverpool, coming back to the EPL after just a season away could be exactly what the 31-year-old needs to reinvigorate his career.

The question is, which Prem club could Mane join?

With former employers Liverpool not seemingly in the market for a forward, many speculate that Newcastle United would be the most likely club to show an interest in the coming weeks.

And, rather intriguingly, the man himself didn't rule out a move to the North-East when quizzed about it by Geordie MP and peer Martin Callanan during a speech in his home country of Senegal.

Sadio Mane in action for Bayern Munich. Image: Alamy

Lord Callanan, who is a self-confessed Newcastle fanatic, told Chronicle Live: "I’m in Senegal speaking at ⁦EITI Global conference, honoured to meet Sadio Mane in the hotel. Couldn't resist asking him about coming to Newcastle United next season.

"His enigmatic reply was 'never say never', any chance?"

Much like Liverpool, Newcastle appear to be prioritising other positions when it comes to recruitment this summer, with midfielders James Maddison and Nicolo Barella both heavily linked to Eddie Howe's side.

And yet, with Bayern reportedly open to selling, few clubs have the financial might to finance a move for the former Champions League winner, whose current wage is around £350,000 per week.

A confrontation between Mane and Bayern teammate Leroy Sane fuelled rumours of an exit. Image: Alamy

Given such demands, that leaves the Saudi Pro League as a likely destination, or a club as well off as Newcastle.

With Champions League football to offer, the move could be regarded by Mane as a tempting one, especially as he still has a house in the UK - as per The Chronicle.

Mane's move to Bavarian giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 turned into something of a nightmare, having netted just seven times in 25 appearances.

His poor campaign was best encapsulated by a bizarre physical altercation with teammate Leroy Sane, which only further fuelled rumours that Bayern were willing to let their prized asset leave for the right price. Time will tell where the AFCON winner's future lies.

Topics: Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Premier League, Sadio Mane

Tom Fenton