Southampton forward Sadio Mane has emerged as a transfer target for Liverpool as an alternative to Mario Gotze.
The Senegal international enjoyed a hugely profitable season, scoring 15 goals for the upwardly mobile Saints and drawing admiring glances from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
Liverpool are also in the market for an energetic striker to fit into manager Jurgen Klopp’s high-intensity pressing game, and the Guardian reports that the pacy forward’s form has seen him shortlisted by the former Borussia Dortmund manager following the apparent collapse of a move for Gotze.
The Bayern Munich midfielder worked with Klopp during an immensely successful spell at Dortmund, but a proposed £20 million deal looks to have hit the rails after the player appeared to commit his future to the Bundesliga champions.
It is understood that Mane would cost significantly more than the £20 million earmarked for Gotze and is under contract with the south coast club until 2018.
The Reds are yet to make an official approach for the player, however Klopp is keen to make several important additions to his squad before the start of the 2016/17 season.
Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Mahmoud is also said to feature prominently on the Liverpool manager’s list of summer targets.