Manchester United have submitted a bid for Southampton attacker, Sadio Mane according to Sky Sports.

Mane has been identified as an alternative to Pedro Rodriguez, who is close to finalising his 21 million pound move to Chelsea this week.

Manchester United have made a bid for Sadio Mane

Earlier it was reported that Pedro is in London for his Chelsea medical after Manchester United refused to meet Barcelona’s demands.

According to reports from English media, after weeks of negotiations, Van Gaal decided to pull the plug on the Pedro transfer because of his doubts about the player. Apparently, Van Gaal harbors doubts about Pedro’s pace.

Meanwhile, Mane who is an alternative to Pedro is one of the quickest in the Premier League. The Senegal international attracted a lot of interest last season with his explosive performances and is now a Manchester United target.

Speaking to Sky, a Southampton spokesperson said: “He is a key part of our team and our planning for the future. He wouldn’t be sold.”

The winger joined Saints in a 11.8 million pound deal last season, after the departure of Adam Lallana. The former RB Salzburg winger has the creativity, pace and goals Van Gaal has been asking for.

There is no doubt that United have the resources to pull off a transfer like this. Despite Southampton’s reluctance to sell, the player is likely to force a move when an elite club comes calling.

It will be interesting to see if Manchester United follow up on their initial bid with an improved on, or Van Gaal looks elsewhere for his Pedro alternative.

Manchester United fans can watch their transfer target in action here –