Liverpool star Mane is wanted by Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, who has long craved the arrival of the Senegal international.
With 17 Premier League goals to his name - none of which from the penalty spot - the 26-year-old has been blockbuster so far this season.
Liverpool now face a fight to keep Mane, with Real Madrid due to come calling when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
And history shows that, when Los Blancos come to town, they rarely leave empty-handed.
Liverpool are a team doing well, a team with the potential to win the Premier League and Champions League trophies this season.
But what if they don't? What then?
History suggests that heartache can lead to transfer decisions. And Real, more often than not, are there to pick up the pieces.
In 2009, Kaka was left crushed after AC Milan had missed out on the Serie A title to fierce rivals Inter Milan.
But Real were there to put a consoling arm around him and, in a matter of weeks, had their man in a £65m deal.
Cristiano Ronaldo won a third consecutive Premier League title with Manchester United that same year.
But it was an agonising defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League final that proved the final straw.
Ronaldo had always dreamed of Real - but moved because he sensed a changing of the guard was due to take place.
Madrid are a rare side. No matter how badly they play, they will always have appeal.
And an added incentive for Mane will be the prospect of becoming Real's best African player of all time.
Over the years, they have tried looking at the continent for gems. But, more often that not, it has not worked out.
Yaya Toure and Samuel Eto'o were both once on their books. But the duo, ironically, enjoyed their best years at fierce rivals Barcelona instead.
Emmanuel Adebayor and Michael Essien were both on the wane when they arrived during Jose Mourinho's time in charge.
Mahamadou Diarra was a rare exception but few would glamorise the midfielder, despite his gritty and determined style of play.
Mane, however, could become Real's first-ever African icon. And, for a man who once wore torn boots and shredded shorts, to then sign for the biggest club in the world, that would mean everything.
pewbdkprt
104
you guys should stop using coutinho as a case study. Barca gave Coutinho many playing opportunities to showcase himself, but couldn't. O.Dembele was coming from bench and still showcase himself. look at Vidal he's now a 50% starting lineup. Coutinho looses his form which he admitted also trying to pick up and the coach gave him almost 65% starting lineup, he didn't performed well and he easily gas out. So Mani can go to Real .M if he wish and shine if they give him playing opportunity. Coutinho is the only player that left England to Barcelona with a high price and his not doing his best. Ture Yaya , Henry and even Suarez his team mate at liverpool, they all did well while Suarez is still doing great up till now.
Letabekpr
83
Coutinho forced himself out of Liverpool and moved to Barca. Now Barca has put a 100 million price tag on him because they want to offload him, but this same Coutinho was adored and worshipped in Anfield. There is something about Liverpool, It's not about trophies, Liverpool is a huge umbrella that keeps you out from the cold. Once you're connected with the club, believe me-YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE!!!
nitinyadav41
67
I don't think he will go to real because he can't take the pressure with the job let him be free and enjoy his football
Budbmos
57
He only signed last year therefore it would take breaking the bank for Liverpool to accept. Please note that Liverpool have never lost when they sale but always wins. It's not about Mane being a very good player but also consider our formation and style of play which is second to none. Liverpool will always find talent to take the club further. Thinking about it we can even do a trade with Real for Bale plus cash.