Bayern Munich will need to step up their efforts to pull off a deal for wantaway Liverpool star Sadio Mane.
Liverpool brushed aside a second offer from the Bundesliga giants, believed to be worth as much as £30 million with add-ons, reports Andy Hunter of The Guardian.
It was a slight improvement from Bayern’s first offer of £25 million.
But the Reds likely won’t part with the prolific scorer unless they receive a bid in excess of £40 million, Hunter adds.
Bayern’s latest approach included incentives Liverpool didn’t think were realistic or achievable, including winning the Champions League and Mane claiming the Ballon d’Or in each of the three seasons he would be expected to sign for in Germany.
Mane, who has 12 months left on his contract, reportedly informed the Merseyside club of his desire to pursue a fresh opportunity elsewhere after six seasons at Anfield.
The Senegal international evolved into one of football’s brightest attacking players following his transfer from Southampton in 2016. He played a pivotal role in helping Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019 before guiding them to their first Premier League title in 2020.
His departure could pave the way for the Reds to increase their reported pursuit of Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, who the Portuguese club value at £85 million.
Meanwhile, Mane could fill a massive void at Bayern if Robert Lewandowski departs this summer after eight years in Munich. The Polish star has demanded a transfer, but club officials expect him to honor the final year of his contract, which expires in June 2023.