Newcastle United and Man United ‘emerge’ as shock contenders for former Liverpool star

Mane’s future at Bayern has been the source of intense speculation after he was involved in an altercation with team-mate Leroy Sane after a Champions League defeat against Manchester City that left the Germany international with a cut lip. The reigning Bundesliga champions handed Mane a club record fine as his difficult time in Bavaria continued.

That is all a complete contrast to Mane’s spell with Liverpool as he helped Jurgen Klopp’s side to a number of major honours including their Champions League Final win over Tottenham Hotspur in 2019, a long-awaited Premier League title win 12 months later and solitary FA Cup and Carabao Cup Final wins.

He received a glowing tribute from Klopp when his departure to Bayern was confirmed last summer, with the Reds boss saying: "One of Liverpool's greatest ever players is leaving and we must acknowledge how significant this is. He leaves with our gratitude and our love. He leaves with his status among the greats guaranteed. And, yes, he leaves in a moment where he is one of the best players in world football. But we must not dwell on what we now lose, instead celebrate what we were privileged to have.”

With rumours of a Premier League return being mentioned, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has described Newcastle as ‘a very hot option’ for Mane as the Magpies prepare to return to European football for the first time in a decade next season. The Senegal international is said to have ‘no future’ with the Bundesliga giants and he will have a choice over leaving the club this summer or spending the next year sitting on the bench.

Plettenberg has named four Premier League clubs as possible destinations for the forward, with Newcastle’s ‘need’ for Champions League experience said to be the main driver in their interest. However, Manchester United, West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion also suggested as suitors for the forward.

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