Sadio Mane to Liverpool: Anfield club complete £34m signing of Southampton star

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Sadio Mane from Southampton. Mane, 24, becomes the club's third singing of the summer transfer window, penning a long-term contract at Anfield.

"Today is a big day and I am very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe," Mane told Liverpool's official website. "It's a club that has won a lot of trophies and has a big history. Now I am looking forward to meeting all the staff and my teammates and starting the season."

According to BBC Sport, Liverpool will pay an initial fee of £34m ($45m) for the Senegal forward. That could rise to £36m, however, which would make Mane the club's record signing, eclipsing the £35m paid for Andy Carroll in 2011.

Southampton have also confirmed they have received a club-record fee for the player, who cost them £10m in 2014.

Mane 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.

Mane spend two years on the south coast with Southampton following his move from Red Bull Salzburg, scoring 25 goals in 75 appearances in all competitions. His move to Merseyside was set in motion on Saturday (25 June) when Southampton confirmed the signing of his arrival Nathan Redmond from Norwich City.

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

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 outfit Mainz. He and Cameroon defender Joel Matip, who agreed terms with the Reds in February, will arrive on Merseyside on 1 July.