Barcelona’s scouts must like life in Merseyside.
After missing out on Philippe Coutinho in the summer, the La Liga giants have diverted their aim to another transfer target.
Barcelona are interested in signing Senegal sensation Sadio Mane, according to the Mirror.
Liverpool were resisted Barca’s advances for Coutinho all summer, nobly sticking to their ‘not for sale’ stance in the face of astronomical bids.
The club’s resolve may be tested again next summer with Ernesto Valverde looking to strengthen his forward line despite recruiting Ousmane Dembele as a replacement for Neymar.
Mane has been in stunning form for Liverpool with three goals already this campaign and many now feel he is more important to Jurgen Klopp’s side than Coutinho.
The 25-year-old has improved even further since arriving at Anfield from Southampton in 2016.
He scored 13 league goals last season and was named Liverpool’s Player of the Year – even though he missed the last part of the season through injury.
With Coutinho missing the opening month of the campaign with a back injury while Barcelona attempted to sign him, there were concerns Liverpool would struggle.
But Mane emerged as their driving force with a series of impressive displays which showed why he is now one of the most feared forwards in the top flight.
Barca made four bids for Coutinho last month, going as high as £138million but finding Liverpool in no mood to sell their playmaker.
And having reached an impasse in their attempts to sign the 25-year-old, there is a feeling they may have more success if they turn their attentions to Mane.
But the saga proved a major distraction to Klopp and his side with Coutinho declaring himself unfit to play while his future was resolved.
And they will be desperate to avoid a repeat next summer with Mane, who has rapidly emerged as the key player in this Liverpool squad.
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