Bayern Munich have reportedly entered the race to sign highly-rated Southampton winger and Manchester United target Sadio Mane.
Speculation is rife that the Red Devils could test the waters with a £30m bid in January, though Saints boss Ronald Koeman denied that the 23-year-old would be sold.
United monitored him in the summer transfer window following a successful first season on the South Coast, but a bid was never lodged.
Manager Louis van Gaal, widely thought to be in the market for a winger, could struggle to land his man now as German giants Bayern enter the fray, according to The Mirror.
However, the Senegalese international would reportedly favour a move to Old Trafford, though a switch is unlikely to materialise next month unless a £40m offer is submitted.
Mane, who joined from Red Bull Salzburg in September 2014, has netted 17 times in all competitions for Southampton. His contract expires in 2018.
Shane Callaghan
