Sadio Mane: Liverpool set to beat Manchester United to signing of Southampton forward

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is ready to spend big to beat arch-rivals Manchester United to the signing of Sadio Mane from Southampton, according to reports.

The Sun says Klopp has identified the pacy Senegal striker as his main summer signing and is willing to spend up to £30m ($44m) to bring him to Merseyside.

Mane, 24, scored 11 goals in 37 league appearances for Southampton last season. He is contracted to St Mary's until 2018.

New United manager Jose Mourinho is reported to be unconvinced by Mane's quality, despite glowing reports on the player from the club's scouts.

Liverpool finished a disappointing eighth in the 2015/16 Premier League season, but were losing finalists in both the League Cup and the Europa League.

The Reds have been linked with summer moves for a number of players across Europe – including high-profile names such as Bayern Munich forward Mario Gotze – as Klopp sets about imprinting his own image on the squad he inherited from Brendan Rodgers last season.

However, the Merseyside club are likely to be hampered in their transfer activity by their inability to offer European football to potential recruits.

Southampton will feature in the Europa League next season after finishing three points above Liverpool on the league table in sixth place.

Coutinho future

Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho's future at Anfield remains unclear amid reports that his representatives held talks with Paris Saint-Germain.

Coutinho's Brazilian compatriot Dani Alves recently suggested that he should considering leaving Liverpool for a "top" Champions League club like Barcelona.

"Football is about living the moment," the full-back was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"Liverpool have history but you should consider playing for top UCL sides. He has the quality to play for Barcelona."

Coutinho has made 107 league appearances for Liverpool since arriving from Inter Milan in 2013, and is contracted to the Reds until 2020.