Liverpool and Manchester United held talks to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers attacking midfielder Mateus Mane in the recently concluded winter transfer window, according to Ekrem Konur.
The former Rochdale youth star made his first-team debut on May 10. He came on as a substitute in the 2–0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, becoming the youngest debutant for the club in the top flight at 17 years, seven months and 13 days.
After a series of substitute appearances, he made his first start for the club in the 2–1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on 27 December 2025 and has since become a mainstay in the team.
Having played less than a minute under former coach Vitor Pereira this season, Mane has sparked a resurgence since Rob Edwards’ appointment, scoring twice and providing two assists, with standout performances against Manchester United and Liverpool unsurprisingly attracting the duo’s interest.
This is according to Womenwho claims that United and Liverpool have held formal talks to sign Mane in the recently concluded winter transfer window.
However, the journalist adds that no agreement could be reached with either club as Wolves’ valuation of between £45 and 50 million was deemed too high by the Premier League giants.
Expectation
Write down Sports tree, Women reports that the West Midlands club’s valuation stemmed from their decision to retain the England U18 star during their relegation battle, having already secured a financial windfall from the sale of Jørgen Strand Larsen to Crystal Palace.
However, having already made inquiries with the players’ representatives, Liverpool and United are expected to return for his signature next summer, when his rating is expected to drop if Wolves are relegated. Women adds.
Both clubs have spent money on the recruitment and development of elite youngsters in recent seasons, while also buying experienced players for the first team.
For Liverpool, Rio Ngumoha is already impressing after moving to the Merseyside club from Chelsea’s Cobham Academy, while Senegal U17 star Talla Ndiaye joined from Amitie FC, along with 17-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who joined from Austrian club Austria Vienna.
United, on the other hand, have signed promising youngsters such as Harley Emsden-James, Enzo Kana-Biyik, Diego Leon and Cristian Orozco, while Ayden Heaven, who joined from Arsenal, is already a key first-team player.
Mane is both a prospect with huge potential and an established player with qualities that can gradually join the attack of either team, so it will be interesting to see who wins the race for his signature.
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