Barcelona new boss Ronald Koeman is prepared to bring Liverpool's Sadio Mane as a transfer replacement for Lionel Messi should their captain leave the Nou Camp.
Messi has requested Barca terminate his contract this summer to enable him to move elsewhere with the likes of Man City, Man Utd, Inter Milan and PSG queuing up for his signature.
While Barcelona chiefs are confident of retaining their star man, they are already making contingency plans for his departure.
The Mail claim Barca have identified the 28-year-old Mane as the perfect option to fill Messi's boots if and when he departs the club.
And it seems Mane is keen on a switch to Spain too, as TMW (via Sport ) report the Senegalese would be willing to turn his back on the Merseyside club to play for Barca.
The Spanish club would have to stump up the cash to land Mane's services, with his asking price set at £107million.
That fee would not be a problem for Catalan giants if they are able to sell Messi, but as it stands they risk losing him for nothing amid a contract wrangle.
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Mane is contracted to Anfield for another three years and Liverpool will certainly not be happy to lose one of their potent front three.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
