Liverpool icon Sadio Mane once opened up about his near move to Manchester United and years later teased a return to the Premier League following interest from another club

Sadio Mane once said “never say never” to the idea of joining Newcastle. The Liverpool legend, now playing for Al-Nassr, also admitted previously that he agreed a contract with Manchester United but opted for their Merseyside rivals instead.

Mane, now 33, became a legend at Anfield following his £34million move from Southampton in 2016, scoring 120 goals and providing 46 assists during his six-year stint.

He played a crucial role in Jurgen Klopp's successful rebuild, helping the Reds win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.

His departure to Bayern Munich for an initial £27m in 2022 was undoubtedly a loss for the English top flight. But the door opened for his return less than 12 months later.

The Senegalese icon’s time in Germany was marred by an injury before the Qatar 2022 World Cup and a reported dressing room fight with team-mate Leroy Sane. It was therefore unsurprising that he was shown the exit door at the end of the season.

It was during that uncertain period that he met Martin Callanan, a Conservative life peer in the House of Lords who is originally from Newcastle. Callahan was attending an EITI International conference in Mane's native Senegal.

He encouraged Mane to join the Magpies, saying in a later tweet: “I’m in Senegal speaking at ⁦the EITI⁩ conference. Honoured to meet ⁦Sadio Mane in the hotel. I couldn’t resist asking him about coming to Newcastle next season. His enigmatic reply: ‘Never say never!’"

It's unclear whether Mane was merely being courteous or if Newcastle were serious contenders to secure his signature, but he didn't end up at St James Park. Instead, he joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, where he's contributed to 62 goals in 93 matches.