Report: Liverpool closes in on Sadio Mane transfer

Southampton is close to losing its second player of the summer, with reports suggesting Sadio Mane will join Victor Wanyama through the exits at St Mary's Stadium.

Liverpool is said to be confident about completing a transfer for Mane after holding talks with Southampton over an unknown period since the Premier League season concluded, sources told Peter O'Rourke of ESPN FC.

Despite facing competition from Manchester City and Manchester United. Liverpool is committed to securing the services of the 24-year-old forward, after manager Jurgen Klopp identified him as a primary transfer target.

O'Rourke adds that while Southampton might be averse to selling, an offer around £30 million could be enough to convince the Saints to sell Mane, who was acquired from Red Bull Salzburg in 2014 for £11.8 million.

The Senegalese international would join the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Danny Ings, and Christian Benteke up front at Anfield. However, Benteke appears to be on his way out after struggling for playing time last term.

Mane's possible move away would follow Wanyama's departure, after the Nigerian midfielder agreed to join Tottenham on Wednesday.

Persistent transfer speculation is largely credited to Mane's impressive 2015-16 campaign, during which he found the back of the net 11 times and provided six assists to help Southampton finish sixth in the standings.