Chelsea are targeting a move for Bayern Munich attacker Sadio Mane this summer, according to Football London.
The 31-year-old only joined the Rekordmeister last summer but could be heading for the exit after failing to impress in Germany.
The Senegalese international has bagged 12 goals and five assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.
Bayern paid £45 million to Liverpool to sign him and had so much expectation from the star, but he has not lived up to the billing.
It did not help that managers Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel have played him as a centre-forward. He is a winger and has looked most comfortable playing on the flank.
His bust-up with Leroy Sane did not go down well with the club. They imposed a massive fine and were gunning for a longer suspension but decided against it.
Bayern are ready to sell Mane this summer, and the funds will likely go into signing a new striker. They are forging ahead with a deal for Randal Kolo Muani.
They have dropped their interest in Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane to pursue Kolo Muani, but they must make space in their squad for the Frenchman.
Bayern will demand around £30 million to let Mane leave, and he will likely have plenty of suitors.
Incoming Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino asked the Blues to move for Mane. The 51-year-old knows about the player’s qualities from his time in the Premier League.
Pochettino is close to becoming the club’s permanent boss, with discussions in the final stage.
Reports claim he is looking for a striker, a defensive midfielder and a goalkeeper.
However, Pochettino must first oversee a massive clearout at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have a bloated squad and must sell several stars before considering any incomings.
