Mane linked with summer switch to Bayern Munich

SADIO MANE’S future at Liverpool is in doubt after Bayern Munich were linked with a summer move for the Senegal star. Mane — whose form in recent weeks has been outstanding — is entering the final year of his contract but, as yet, no significant discussions have taken place about extending his stay at the club. Reports in Germany emerged last night, claiming that Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic had met with Mane’s representatives in Majorca last Friday. However, some sources insisted Mane’s name hadn’t been discussed; the 30-year-old’s agency also look after Bayern forward Serge Gnabry. The link to Bayern took Anfield officials completely by surprise and Mane has never given any indication that he is doing anything other than preparing for the five games that could yet see Liverpool complete a clean sweep, starting at Aston Villa tonight. It has been a relatively underwhelming season for Bayern. Though they won the Bundesliga for a tenth year in succession, they were eliminated early from both the Champions League and German Cup and recognise the need to improve their squad. Liverpool and Bayern have not given any comment about the links but it is clear there is significant work to be done if Mane is going to remain at Anfield for the long term. His fellow forwards Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino are both in similar contractual situations. Firmino, who has been out with a foot injury, may return to the squad at Villa Park tonight, where Steven Gerrard has promised he will send the home team out with the intention of causing problems for Liverpool. This will be a change from Saturday, when Antonio Conte focused primarily on defence with Tottenham. Jurgen Klopp said that after that 1-1 draw he ‘couldn’t coach a team to play like that’ and yesterday he clarified his comments. ‘It is what I think, just not what I should say because that is not appropriate,’ said Klopp. ‘We didn’t lose but I felt in a moment like losing. It was all fine then, all of a sudden, one guy says great how Tottenham defended and one moment, I am like: “No!” ‘But I mean it like I say I couldn’t coach it – so that is a compliment. What they do is incredible. It is so difficult for the opponent to score which is one part of the job.’