Manchester United reportedly interest in Southampton forward Sadio Mane

Manchester United have made a bid for Southampton striker Sadio Mane.

Sources at United confirmed the bid was lodged last week, with Louis van Gaal desperate to add more firepower to his attack.

Wayne Rooney has struggled in the forward role this season and Van Gaal sees Senegal striker Mane as the player to help ease the burden on the United and England skipper.

United have refused to confirm the size of the bid for Mane, but Southampton are understood to be ready to fight to keep the forward.

Mane could become the third Saints player to join United in the past two seasons, after Luke Shaw and Morgan Schneiderlin both made the switch.

Mane, 23, had an impressive debut campaign for Southampton last season after joining from Red Bull Salzburg for £10million, scoring 10 goals.

The forward plundered the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history in Southampton's 6-1 win over Aston Villa in May, and United have now made their move for him.

United's bid for Mane was made before their interest in Barcelona forward Pedro ended, ostebsibly because van Gaal had reservations about the deal.