Liverpool: Southampton sign Nathan Redmond in move that could trigger Sadio Mane move to Anfield

Southampton have confirmed the signing of Nathan Redmond from Norwich City in a move that is likely to pave the way for Sadio Mane to join Liverpool.

Redmond, 22, has signed a five-year contract at St Mary's and becomes the club's first signing of the summer. The Birmingham City academy graduate is expected to directly replace Mane with Liverpool willing to pay £30m for the Senegal international, according to BBC Sport.

"I'm really pleased to have made the move to Southampton," Redmond said. "It's a fantastic football club with excellent facilities, and I really feel I can develop my game here.

"The club's style of play has always been excellent. They like to play attacking football and it's a style I feel I can really fit in well with."

Executive Director of Football Les Reed said: "Despite being just 22, Nathan has gained plenty of experience in the Premier League with Norwich City, showing his quality at the top level on a consistent basis.

"He has also performed exceptionally well on the international stage, playing a key role in helping England Under-21s win the Toulon Tournament this summer.

"While Nathan has already gained Premier League experience, he has the potential to continue developing and becoming an integral part of the squad for years to come."

Mane meanwhile was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United during the January transfer window but their interest would appear to have ended following the appointment of Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

Jurgen Klopp is eager to add the 24-year-old to his attacking options, but Southampton's £40m valuation of the player has so far prevented any deal being struck, BBC Sport claim.

The south coast club are also currently searching for a new manager following Ronald Koeman's move to Everton, a process that could hold up an outgoing transfers.

Mane would become the fifth player to leave Southampton for Liverpool in the last two years, following Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Nathaniel Clyne and Dejan Lovren to Merseyside.

Liverpool have already agreed deals for two players in Joel Matip and Loris Karius. Karius, 22, became Liverpool's second signing of the summer in May after the club agreed a fee with Bundesliga club Mainz. He and Cameroon defender Joel Matip, who agreed terms with the Reds in February, will arrive on Merseyside on 1 July.