Sadio Mane admits he held talks with Manchester United before signing for Liverpool.

The former Southampton striker revealed Louis van Gaal was eager to sign him for United.

Mane told the Mirror: "Yes, I was really, really close because I even met up with them. So I was coming, I was there and I spoke with the boss who was there before (Van Gaal).

"They made an offer, but in the same week, Klopp called me. He said: “I think it's the right club. The right coach for me, and I think it's better that I go to Liverpool'. For me I think it was the right time as well. I said, “I am going to Liverpool.

"At that time, leaving Southampton , I saw many clubs, but I think Liverpool is the right club for me. I play against Liverpool, I play against City, United, every team and I scored a lot against Liverpool when I was at Southampton, but still I thought this club is my club!

"The boss (Jurgen Klopp) was at Liverpool and yet I always scored against them. I think he thought: 'He's always killing us, so let's buy him!' Yeah, just to stop me scoring against Liverpool – so it was good for us both!"