Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has turned his attention from Mario Gotze to Sadio Mane
The Anfield club are ready to rival Manchester United and Tottenham in the chase for the Senegal attacker, who is rated at around £25m.
It would be the fifth time they have looked to St Mary's for reinforcements in the last two years having previously signed Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Rickie Lambert.
Mane, 24, scored 15 goals for Southampton last season, including two against Jurgen Klopp's side back in March when Liverpool surrendered a two goal advantage in a 3-2 defeat.
Klopp's high regard for Gotze means he retains an interest in the player, who has just split with long-term agent Volker Struth, but has had to consider alternative targets.
Mane moved to Southampton for £11.8m in 2014 from Red Bull Salzburg and was the subject of strong interest from United last season.
Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud is Klopp's first choice to bolster his midfield, while negotiations are ongoing with Leicester for left-back Ben Chilwell.
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