Liverpool are lining up a move for Southampton forward Sadio Mane after their hopes of luring Mario Gotze to Anfield were put on hold.

Despite the Reds' best efforts, Gotze has failed to commit to a move away from the Allianz Arena. This comes even with Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stressing that the playmaker's bit part role is set to continue under new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

"I had talks with him (Mario) and Ancelotti. Mario knows the thoughts of Bayern," Rummenigge told Kicker magazine. "Everything was clearly and seriously explained to Mario.

"He knows what the club thinks and what the new coach thinks. Mario has to evaluate for himself whether he wants to play constantly."

With Gotze seemingly out of reach for now it has prompted Liverpool to identify Mane as an alternative.

Mane is expected to be a target for Manchester United this summer while Tottenham have also been credited with interest.

The 24-year-old Senegal international ended the campaign as the team’s leading scorer with 15 goals in all competitions.

Liverpool had been confident of a deal for World Cup winner Gotze before he changed agents and declared this week that he intended to fight for his place at Bayern under Carlo Ancelotti.

Meanwhile, Klopp has spoken to Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Ante Coric ahead of another potential move. The Croatia U21 international is valued at £10million.

Source: MailOnline

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