Liverpool and Sadio Mane heading for transfer stand-off with forward keen to quit Anfield

Liverpool and Sadio Mane are heading for a transfer stand-off after it emerged that the striker is keen to quit Anfield this summer.

Mane said last week that he would be deciding his future following Saturday’s Champions League final. Despite widespread indications he wants to leave Liverpool amid interest from Bayern Munich, he has not yet made any communication to the hierarchy about his intentions.

Mane has only one year left on his contract, placing him in the same situation as his fellow attacker Mohamed Salah. The Egypt international revealed he would start next season at Anfield, which raised the possibility of him leaving on a free transfer in a year’s time unless he can agree new terms.

Mane, 30, was not prepared to make the same commitment when pushed on his future, but there is no guarantee a move will be sanctioned without a fee reflective of his value. 

Some of the figures suggesting a €30million (£25.5m) price tag have been immediately rejected by Liverpool, who still see Mane as a prime asset and one of the most coveted strikers in the world. There is more value in retaining him for an extra year than selling him at a price which will get nowhere near the cost of replacement.

Indeed, should Bayern try to start negotiations, Liverpool will have a useful recent precedent when discussing valuations. Earlier this season, Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic was asked if he would consider selling Robert Lewandowski - also out of contract in 2023 - for €50million.

“No,” he replied. “He has a contract until 2023. We have all the time in the world. We have the best striker in the world and we’re proud of that.”

Bayern may hear those words again should they call Liverpool about Mane.

Liverpool were unable