Liverpool are reportedly confident that they will be able to secure the signing of Southampton ace Sadio Mane this summer.
The two clubs are understood to have been in negotiations for some time as they look to reach an agreement for the Senegalese international.
In turn, according to ESPN FC, progress has evidently been made as Liverpool are ‘growing increasingly confident’ that a deal can be reached.
The 24-year-old scored 15 goals and provided nine assists in 43 appearances in all competitions last season, as he continued to establish himself as a key part of the Saints’ success under Ronald Koeman.
With the Dutchman departing for Everton earlier this month though, it remains to be seen whether or not Southampton can appoint a successor that is capable of convincing the club’s top stars to stay and to build on their impressive sixth-placed finish in the Premier League last year.
Nevertheless, what is clear is that Jurgen Klopp has been left impressed by Mane and wants to add him to his squad at Anfield, with both Manchester United and Manchester City both previously linked with making a move for the player.
It appears as though Liverpool are now the favourites to secure his signature, although it remains to be seen what the transfer fee is as it has previously been suggested that Mane is valued at around £30m.
Should he arrive on Merseyside, it wouldn’t be the first time that Liverpool have raided Southampton, with the likes of Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and Dejan Lovren joining the club in recent years.
It would certainly be a blow for Southampton, but as for Klopp, it would be another solid acquisition having already brought in Loris Karius, Marko Grujic and Joel Matip this summer as he continues to plot a way of getting Liverpool competing at the top of the Premier League table in his first full season in charge.