VICTOR Wanyama has made the surprise claim that Sadio Mane felt his Saints teammates didn’t want to pass him the ball.

Mane, who left St Mary’s for Liverpool in 2016, initially joined the club when Ronald Koeman took charge in 2014 and scored 21 times in 67 appearances.

Wanyama was already at the club after being signed from Celtic by former manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The duo formed a close relationship off the pitch which gave Mane the freedom to share his concern with the midfielder.

Speaking to Madogat TV, ex-Saint Wanyama said: “We were like a family under one father in [Mauricio] Pochettino but I and Mane forged a bigger brotherhood bond. 

“[Morgan] Schneiderlin was also a great friend.

"At one point, Mane approached me and told me 'hi man, these guys do not want to pass the ball to me, can the two of us play closely. They do not want me to score.' 

“I reluctantly agreed and anytime I got the ball I would pass it to him though. I wanted to treat him right since he is a good and nice guy.”

Since leaving Saints for Anfield for £34million, Mane has established himself as one of the best players in Europe.

Recent reports in the national have suggested he is a £131million summer target for Spanish giants Real Madrid.