Bayern Munich attempt to outmuscle Manchester United in race to sign Saints hotshot

It wasn't long ago that some Man United fans were scratching their heads at supposed interest. Not any more.

Sadio Mane was linked to a move to Old Trafford in the summer, and there were plenty of sniffy noises coming out of the Red Devil fanbase. Many wondered why United were being linked to such a low key name after fanciful notions of Robert Lewandowksi and Thomas Muller. But back here on planet Earth, Sadio Mane has proved exactly why Louis van Gaal was mulling over a bid in the region of £20m before eventually signing Anthony Martial in a late transfer window swoop. Southampton's prized asset has been causing Premier League's defences all sorts of problems this season as they struggle to live with his pace, movement and clinical finishing. In fact the 23-year-old has banged in 17 goals since his arrival at St Mary's last season, including the opener against Liverpool during Wednesday night's Capital One Cup defeat. But just as Man United looked to be readying a move in January, one of Europe's biggest clubs are hoping to gazump their interest with a bid of their own. The Mail report that Bayern Munich are ready to swoop for the Senegal sensation, to add to the plethora of attacking options they already have at the club What may buoy the Germans - and Van Gaal - is that Mane is still holding out signing a bumper new deal for the Saints. His current deal expires in 2018 and they don't expect him to renew. Watch this space.