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Liverpool winger Sadio Mane has revealed he came close to working with Jurgen Klopp before his move to Anfield.

The winger has enjoyed an excellent start to his career on Merseyside after joining from Southampton for £34m in the summer.

Klopp has been full of praise for his player, who is again set to start in Monday night's showdown against Manchester United

Mane has hailed his manager's influence and revealed the pair very nearly worked together before.

"Before I came here, I had the chance to meet him when he was at Borussia Dortmund," he told BBC Sport.

(Image: REUTERS)

"I was at Red Bull Salzburg and he tried to sign me - but it didn't happen and that is football.

"He is a good manager and he is someone who likes his players.

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"At the end of last season, he called me and told me he wanted me to come to Liverpool.

"I said straightaway that I want to come. It was the right time and right coach for me. I am very happy to be here.

Mane has already scored three times for Liverpool in just six league games.