Manchester United might be able to sting Liverpool by bringing one of their modern-day legends to Old Trafford this summer. The Red Devils are in desperate need of reinforcements, especially at the top of the pitch. They have already been linked with a move for Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo but another Premier League side could reportedly hijack the deal.
United recently saw an opening bid turned down, with Brentford holding out for a transfer fee in excess of £60million. They have now submitted a fresh offer which is much closer to Brentford's valuation, according to ESPN. However, it has been reported that Tottenham are looking to sign Mbeumo for themselves.
A move to north London could emerge as a real possibility if Thomas Frank replaces Ange Postecoglou in the Tottenham dugout. If that happens, United would be forced to switch their focus elsewhere in search of a new wide forward.
A left-field opportunity could present itself in the form of a move for Sadio Mane, who is reportedly set to leave Al-Nassr this summer. According to The Mirror, the 33-year-old has been asked to find a new club having been deemed surplus to requirements.
United were close to bringing Mane to Old Trafford before he joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2016. Whether they will be tempted to revive their pursuit of the winger this summer remains to be seen.
It would certainly turn heads, given Mane's status as a Liverpool legend. He won almost every available trophy during his time at Anfield and might not want to risk tarnishing his legacy by joining their greatest rivals.
When he was at Southampton, he gave serious consideration to signing for United before a phone call from Jurgen Klopp changed his mind.
Back in 2019, the winger recalled: "I was really, really close [to joining United] because I even met up with them. So I was coming, I was there, and I spoke with the boss who was there before [Louis Van Gaal].
"They made an offer, but in the same week, Klopp called me. He said: 'I think it's the right club. The right coach for you, and I think it's better that you go to Liverpool'. For me I think it was the right time as well. I said: 'I am going to Liverpool'."
Only time will tell if Mane is prepared to reconsider a move to United, nine years after he initially turned them down. He could be targeted as a potential replacement for Alejandro Garnacho, who is widely expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.