Real Madrid are eyeing a move for Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, who played a vital role in the Reds’ Champions League triumph in June.
Los Blancos are willing to send Marco Asensio the other way in a swap deal to land the Senegalese International, as per the Daily Express.
The 27-year-old made the switch from Southampton to Liverpool in the summer of 2016, and has four more years left on his current contract with the club.
After moving to Liverpool, Mane has formed a terrific partnership with the duo of Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.
Mane plundered 26 goals in 50 appearances last season, sharing the Premier League golden boot with Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the process. He also managed 4 goals and 3 assists in the Champions League, and played a key role as Jurgen Klopp’s side won their sixth European Cup.
A wise move by Zidane to offer Asensio for Mane?
After a nightmare campaign last season, the summer overhaul has already started at the Bernabeu, and that has seen the club spend more than €300 million on players.
After spending big money on Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic, there will be competition for places in the Real Madrid attack.
Even though it’s unlikely Liverpool will be willing to swap Mane for Asensio, Madrid shouldn’t be attempting to get rid of a talented player like Asensio.
The Spaniard is content with a backup role under Zidane, and isn’t on the highest of wages, something that suits the club considering the stars they have signed and those they already have in the club.
Mane, on the other hand, will demand playing time, and with the likes of Hazard, Jovic, Vinicius Jr, Gareth Bale and Benzema to choose from, Zidane might have a tough task on his hand to rotate if the Senegalese does sign for the club.
Although Asensio does have the age factor in his favour, and has his peak years ahead of him, while Mane is already 27.
The 23-year-old experienced a dreadful 2018/19 campaign where he managed 13 goal contributions in 44 appearances, netting the ball on a mere 6 occasions. However, Zidane got the best out of him before his departure last summer, so who is to say he won’t be able to do it again?
The Spanish Giants are better off signing a midfielder and need to carefully manage their wage budget, something that will only increase if they get Mane on board.