Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal has been desperately attempting to sign the Senegalese footballer since the summer but his Southampton counterpart Ronald Koeman has every intention of keeping the player, no matter what the price offered.
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Mane was dropped to the bench by Koeman against Norwich City in their latest fixture for failing to turn up to the pre-match meeting on time, fuelling speculation of an exit.
So we can understand why the club would not want one of the few brights sparks in their season to just up and leave in January.
Saints told them he is not for sale – and have also made it clear to Mane that he is staying put until at least the end of this season.
But Koeman, who criticised Big Vic for his dismissal at Carrow Road, revealed that executive director of football Les Reed will meet with the 24-year-old’s agent.
Southampton have set their sights on FC Utrecht striker Sebastien Haller as a possible replacement for Sadio Mane. They are important players and they like to be here.
“The contacts is to the players, the contacts is to the agents, and I have to believe in my players”.
The Mirror are reporting today that United have responded to interest from the likes of Chelsea by making a fresh approach to Southampton to try and push through a £30m move for Mane this month.
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“This weekend is too soon in our opinion, and he will play again with the under-21s on Monday”.
