The agent of Bayern Munich attacker Sadio Mane has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain tried and failed to sign the 30-year-old this summer.
Mane's six-year spell at Liverpool came to an end earlier this month, as the Senegal international completed a transfer to Bayern Munich for a £27.5m fee, which could rise to £35m with add-ons.
Bayern had two bids rejected for Mane before striking a deal with Liverpool, who were determined not to let the former Southampton man leave for free in the summer of 2023.
Julian Nagelsmann's side were always considered the frontrunners for Mane's signature, and the Africa Cup of Nations winner has signed a three-year deal at the Allianz Arena.
However, the attacker's advisor Bacary Cisse has since revealed that PSG were also interested in signing his client, but talks did not progress once it became clear that sporting director Leonardo was on the way out.
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"Yes, PSG did indeed 'attack' Sadio, he said. Leonardo had several contacts with the German agent, they saw each other," Cisse told French outlet RMC Sport.
"They discussed the ins and outs of a possible transfer of Sadio at PSG, but it ended there. Everyone knows that Leonardo was on an ejection seat, we had to wait."
Cisse also revealed that Barcelona were hoping to strike a deal for Mane last year, and Lionel Messi was leading the club's charge to sign the Senegalese forward before his own exit for PSG.
"Last year it could have also happened with FC Barcelona. It was Lionel Messi who imposed Sadio Mane in the deal when it was a question of him extending to Barca. He had given two names: Sadio Mane and an Argentinian central defender," Cisse added.
Mane's time at Liverpool saw him amass 120 goals and 48 assists in 269 appearances for the club in all competitions, including 23 strikes from 51 outings in 2021-22.
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The former Metz youngster won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup with the Reds and also shared the 2018-19 Premier League Golden Boot with Mohamed Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
PSG's need for attacking reinforcements has lessened since Kylian Mbappe extended his contract until the summer of 2025, but Mauro Icardi is still being linked with an exit.
The 29-year-old only scored four goals in 24 Ligue 1 appearances last season and is out of contract in 2024, but he recently issued a defiant response on social media amid the speculation surrounding his future.
"I'm still under contract with PSG for the next two seasons. My career is not in danger, contrary to what you journalists suggest. It is I who will decide to stay and make myself available to the club... Don't worry, I'm only 29 and people remember very well what I can do after almost 200 goals," Icardi wrote on Instagram.
PSG are in the process of relieving Mauricio Pochettino of his managerial duties after one-and-a-half seasons, and the Ligue 1 champions are hopeful of wrapping up a deal for Nice head coach Christophe Galtier this week.
Ben Knapton
