Bayern Munich are not targeting Liverpool’s Sadio Mane as a direct replacement for Robert Lewandowski, but have another plan in mind for the Senegal star.
That’s according to Sky Sports Germany, who explain what the idea is in Bavaria should they be able to secure Mane this summer.
They explain that a move for Mane is ‘taking more and more concrete shape’, and negotiations are now in the ‘decisive stage’.
Bayern are offering the 30-year-old a three-year deal to move to the Allianz Arena, and it is now only a question of his transfer fee.
The German giants would like to pay a fee of €30m plus additional payments of €5-10m and have put that offer ‘on the table’. Whether Liverpool are willing to accept, though, is unknown.
Should a deal be struck, it would raise questions about where Mane would play, given Bayern’s strength on the wings already, but Sky provide the answer to that conundrum.
They say Mane would take on a central role under Julian Nagelsmann, who plays to employ him as a ‘nine-and-a-half’ rather than an out and out striker.
It’s a position the German coach likes to integrate into his tactics, having done so with the likes of Emil Forsberg during his time with RB Leipzig.
Bayern feel that’s a role that suits Mane’s qualities perfectly as he has both the ‘finishing power’ of a striker and the playmaking skills of someone who plays further back as well.
This is all backed up by the stats from his time at Liverpool, particularly in the second half of this season when he has shone in a central role under Jurgen Klopp.
Thus they are now making their move, with contact already underway and a transfer plan in mind to try and convince Liverpool to sell.
