There was an inquiry about the 23-year old from United last week, although the level of their interest is unclear given the subsequent failed pursuit of Barcelona winger Pedro this week. As things stand, Southampton are not in a position where they feel they have to sell, especially with three years remaining on the Senegal striker’s contract and his current valuation around £15m.

The club would listen to offers for Graziano Pelle, who at 30 is seven years older than Mane. The Italian has been a good acquisition for Saints but will be out of contract at the end of the next season, 2016-2017. Mane, signed from Red Bull Salzburg one year ago, is expected to improve and the Southampton hierarchy believe that he is too early in his development at their club to be sold now, especially with the season having already begun.