Southampton striker Sadio Mane will have a medical at Liverpool on Monday after the clubs agreed a transfer fee of £34m, BBC Radio Solent understands. The fee could rise to £36m, making the deal one of Liverpool’s most expensive, rivalling £32.5m for Christian Benteke and £35m for Andy Carroll. Manager Jurgen Klopp wants to boost his attacking options and made Mane a prime transfer target this summer.
It had been thought the Saints wanted closer to £40m for the Senegalese. The deal is expected to be confirmed on Tuesday. Klopp was impressed by Mane when he scored twice as Southampton came from 2-0 down to beat Liverpool 3-2 at St Mary’s on 20 March. Alongside England striker Daniel Sturridge and Belgium youngster Divock Origi, Mane – who scored 11 goals in 37 Premier League games last season – would add pace and a goal scoring threat.
Liverpool may seek to recoup most of the money they spend on the Mane by selling fellow striker Benteke, who has struggled since his move from Aston Villa in 2015. Mane is set to tread a well-worn path between Southampton and Liverpool.