Manchester United Transfer News: Improved Sadio Mane Bid Prepared, Fresh Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a £20 million bid for Southampton forward Sadio Mane after failing with their initial approach.

According to David Anderson in the Mirror, the Red Devils failed with an opening bid of £15 million but have not withdrawn their interest, with Mane valued at £25 million by Southampton. 

Saints boss Ronald Koeman is concerned about the unsettling effect United's interest may have on the Senegalese attacker but insists no bid has come in for him, per the Daily Mail's Sam Cunningham.

Furthermore, the Dutchman is adamant that Mane is not for sale, per Sky Sports:  

The Red Devils' interest in Mane has emerged following their failure to sign Pedro from Barcelona, per Alistair Tweedale in the Telegraph.

Manager Louis van Gaal needs an added goal threat in his squad with Wayne Rooney the only proven forward man currently available to him.

While Mane is not an out-and-out striker, he is more effective in front of goal than United's current wide men, per Sky Sports News HQ:

Furthermore, at 23 years old, he is still developing as a player and would likely make big improvements playing for the Old Trafford club under the tutelage of Van Gaal.

Along with Rooney and Memphis Depay, Mane could form an exciting attacking trio at United.

However, it seems as though the Red Devils will have to offer a significant sum as Southampton are loath to move on one of their most exciting talents.

An alternative option, should United miss out on Mane, is Dynamo Moscow forward Aleksandr Kokorin, who is also reportedly on United's radar.

The 24-year-old Russian's agent is in talks with the Red Devils over the transfer of Kokorin, although Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, per Russian news agency TASS (h/t Aaron Flanagan in the Mirror).

In all likelihood, though, United would prefer to bring in Mane as he is proven in the Premier League and has experience of the English game.

There is no doubt that the Red Devils need to add a new forward as they are short on firepower, but they are running out of time with the transfer window drawing to a close.