Bayern Munich join Manchester United in race for Southampton forward Sadio Mane

Bayern Munich have joined Manchester United in the race for Southampton forward Sadio Mane with Pep Guardiola identifying the Senegalese footballer as a back-up for Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, whose season have been stunted with injuries thus far. The Bavarians have bought Douglas Costa in the summer but are willing to invest in the market to give themselves some breathing space to cope with injuries that have previously threatened to scupper their season.

The Telegraph reports that United are still interested in Mane despite having bought Anthony Martial in the summer with Louis van Gaal looking to add more pace and creativity in the front line. However, any deal for the player is likely to wait until next summer, with Ronald Koeman having warded off talks of letting the player leave in the upcoming transfer window.

Mane is known for his versatility with the ability to play across the front three, which will be a welcome boost for Van Gaal, considering the likes of Memphis Depay and Wayne Rooney are struggling to make an impression. Depay has failed to live up to his billing in PSV Eindoven and has been criticised by the Netherlands manager for being unable to contribute in the team.

Meanwhile, Rooney has managed only two goals thus far in the season and their profligacy in front of goal has resulted in the Red Devils' failure to cash in on the deluge of slips by title contenders around them.

Anthony Martial, who started the season on fire, has also slacked off in terms of effectiveness in front of goal, making it very difficult for Van Gaal to find a proper solution up front to give the team a life. Bastian Schweinsteiger saved the day for the Red Devils against Leicester City, scoring the equaliser that helped get them a point after Jamie Vardy had given Leicester the lead.