SAINTS insist they have no intention of selling Sadio Mane to Manchester United.

The Old Trafford club have an interest in the forward, and are reported to have been in contact about him, but the Daily Echo understands they are yet to lodge a formal offer.

United are in the market for more attacking firepower, and have a considerable budget to try and make it happen.

They have already raided Saints once this summer, signing French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin for £25m.

Though there has been no concrete bid for Mane, Saints would not be surprised if one arrives, but the club have made it clear he will not be allowed to leave in the current window.

United have cooled their interest in Barcelona’s Pedro, who is now set to join Chelsea for £21m.

Saints are believed to be ready to battle to keep hold of Mane, and it would take a huge fee to prise him away from the club.

The 23-year-old is one of Ronald Koeman’s key men, having established himself as a major attacking threat since his £10m move from Red Bull Salzburg last summer.

Mane scored ten goals in his first season with the club, including the fastest ever Premier League hat-trick.

His lightning pace makes him a nightmare for any defence, and a prized asset at the very highest level of the game.

Koeman will be desperate to hold on to Mane, having admitted earlier today that the squad are finding their feet again after another summer of change.

He is hoping to add one more centre half to the squad before the close of the window, and to retain the rest of his top players.