Barcelona identify Sadio Mane as Lionel Messi replacement

Barcelona have reportedly identified Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane as a potential replacement for Lionel Messi.

Barca are facing the prospect of losing the Argentine during the current transfer window, with the 33-year-old informing the Catalan giants that he wants to move on.

Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are thought to be weighing up moves for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, although he seemingly faces a battle to convince the Spanish giants to let him leave.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Barcelona are putting plans in place for Messi’s possible exit and have identified Mane as an ideal replacement.

The report, though, claims that Blaugrana would likely have to offer in excess of £100m to convince the Merseyside giants to sell one of their key players ahead of the new campaign.

Mane, 28, who has a deal at Anfield until 2023, contributed 22 goals and 12 assists in 47 appearances last season.