SADIO Mane is edging closer to a switch to a £30m switch to Liverpool, according to widespread reports.

The national media are suggesting that Liverpool are optimistic over a deal for the Senegal international, with the situation set to change over the coming days as negotiations continue.

It had been said that Saints would not be willing to let the 24-year-old, who they bought from Red Bull Saltzburg in a deal worth around £10m in 2014, for less than £40m.

However, after several weeks of talks Saints’ stance is said to have ‘softened’ and Jurgen Klopp’s side could allegedly hand over £10m less than the original price tag.

Mane, who netted 11 times in the Premier League last season, still has two years remaining on his contract, but has been subject to constant transfer speculation since last summer.

For a long time Manchester United were keen on Mane, but Merseysiders, who finished 8th in the Premier League last term, have now put the ex-Metz forward at the top of their targets list.

A deal might take a while to complete at this stage with Mane visiting family in Gambia after helping Senegal to qualification to the African Cup of Nations finals.

If Mane were to make the now well-trodden path from St Mary’s to Anfield, he will become the fifth Saints man to head to Liverpool in three seasons.

Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Rickie Lambert and Nathaniel Clyne have all made the trip since 2014, with £61.5m injected in to Saints in transfer fees from Liverpool.

Mane stated at the end of last season that he hoped Saints would build another great team next season.

“The most important thing is we are a team and hopefully we will build a great team like this season,” he said. “We will prepare for our national team games and after we will see what happens for next season.”