Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Sadio Mane and Jonas Hector Rumours

Liverpool will reportedly have to pay a whopping £40 million if they’re to secure the signing of Southampton’s Sadio Mane. 

According to Greg Stobart of Squawka Football, sources state a “crazy” sum would necessary for Saints to consider selling to either the Reds or Manchester United, who are also said to be interested. Liverpool have reportedly been considering Mane as a contingency plan should they miss out on Bayern Munich’s Mario Gotze.

Southampton’s resolve when it comes to the player would be understandable. The forward has become a vital part of their attacking play since his move from Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2014, and as noted here by Sky Sports Statto, he finished the previous campaign in fine form after an inconsistent start:

Mane is such a dynamic threat. The 24-year-old is rapid without the ball, and he is able to chase down lost causes and plant apprehension in the mind of defenders. In possession, he’s also a brilliant dribbler, and he can make a big difference in tight games.

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Those traits would be expected from a player if a club was to part with £40 million for his services, and Mane has shown he can light up a stadium with his ability. But the worry for the Reds would be the fact that he doesn’t produce these standards on a consistent basis.

These numbers from Bleacher Report’s Jack Lusby will be a worry:

It makes any offer a big gamble. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has refined the skills of capricious footballers in the past and may feel as though Mane’s attributes are malleable enough to shape into a player that can be a world-class talent.

Even so, if that’s the price Saints are holding out for, it’s not worth the risk for the Reds. Mane is proven in English football and has all of the qualities to potentially become one of the most feared attackers around, but for a sum of £40 million, Liverpool would want to be signing a player that’s already the finished article.

Jonas Hector Agreement Denied

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Bundesliga side FC Cologne have denied suggestions Liverpool have struck a deal to sign Jonas Hector.

This is Anfield had reported over the weekend the two teams had agreed to a fee for the defender and “have therefore been given permission to speak to the 26-year-old.”

However, speaking with German outlet Bild (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star), the German club’s chief executive Jorg Schmadtke has rubbished the story, saying “there is no offer of Liverpool.”

Schmadtke also told German outlet Express (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express) the Reds would have to double the £12 million the report suggested they offered for the player. "If someone comes up with double [the offer], then I might answer the phone," he said. "But I believe that Jonas plays in the new season with us."

Hector is part of the Germany squad that will try to add UEFA European Championship success this summer to their FIFA World Cup win in 2014.

Here is a look at why the Reds may be keen on bringing him in:

The Cologne man is the type of footballer so many managers would love to have in their squad. While he typically plays at left-back for the national side, the Germany international operated in a central midfield spot for Cologne. That versatility, coupled with his intensity and intelligence, would make him a fine capture.

It seems as if this one has a while to run yet, though. Liverpool do need a player who can fill the left-back position, with Alberto Moreno proving too inconsistent for much of the previous term. Hector would be a much steadier option, although it appears a deal is further away than many Reds fans anticipated.