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Sadio Mane came close to joining Manchester United(Image: CHRISTOF STACHE, AFP via Getty Images)

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.

Instead, he joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, where he's contributed to 62 goals in 93 matches.

While many who have made similar moves to the Middle East have been accused of chasing money, that record suggests Mane's far from just going through the motions.

And his response to Callahan implies a Premier League return may not be completely off the cards, unlike most who are spending the twilight years of their career on Saudi shores.

He's still scoring at a reasonable rate in Saudi Arabia(Image: Getty Images)

However, considering his age and the fact that there's still a year left on his contract, the likelihood of a move to Tyneside can probably be categorised in the "never" bracket now.

Before joining Liverpool, he was all set to head to Old Trafford until a phone call from Klopp turned his head.

Mane recalled in an interview with the Telegraph: "I was really close to going to Manchester United.

He said, 'We have a big project at Liverpool and I want you to be part of it.'"

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