Barcelona 'lining up Sadio Mane as Lionel Messi replacement'

Barcelona could reportedly move for Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane as a replacement for Lionel Messi.

The Catalan giants are facing the prospect of losing Messi during this summer's transfer window, with the Argentina international informing the club that he wants to move on.

Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are thought to be the frontrunners for the 33-year-old, although he seemingly faces a battle to convince Barca to let him leave.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Catalan giants are putting plans in place for the South American's possible exit and have identified Mane as a potential replacement.

The report, though, claims that Ronald Koeman's side would likely have to offer in excess of £100m to convince the Reds to sell one of their star players ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

The 28-year-old, who has a contract Anfield until June 2023, scored 22 times and registered 12 assists in 47 appearances at club level during the 2019-20 season.

Mane previously played under new Barca boss Koeman at Southampton.