Southampton hopeful of keeping star with strong finish

Southampton believe they will be able to keep hold of Sadio Mane if their fine form can carry them into the top-four this season, reports The Daily Mirror.

The Saints came very close to being dragged into a shock relegation fight following their poor first half to the season, but their results have picked up dramatically since the turn of the year and they are now dreaming off a top four finish.

Mane, 23, has been regularly linked with a move away from the south coast outfit, with Manchester United at the forefront of the race to sign the Senegal international.

With two years left to run on his current deal and no desire of extending his stay, Southampton would realistically have to cash in on the forward this summer in order to demand the £30m price tag they have reportedly put on his head.

However, Ronald Koeman’s side now have renewed hope of keeping Mane if they can continue their form until the end of the season.

Southampton’s run of six league matches without defeat has seen them move to within seven points of fourth placed Manchester City and they have also gone 561 minutes without conceding, which has coincided with Fraser Forster’s return between the sticks.

While Mane is still performing below his high standards, he has still registered at least two more assists in the league than any other Southampton teammate this season (6). This despite the fact only two assists have come in his last 15 appearances.

For more stats on Sadio Mane, click here to visit his WhoScored player page