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Liverpool in ‘direct’ talks over signing of “fantastic” Championship starlet

Liverpool have made an unbeaten start to the 2026/27 campaign under Andoni Iraola, although the early performances have offered more questions than answers.

The Reds were held to 2-2 draws by Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest before securing a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Ipswich Town.

Their attacking options have also been tested, with Mohamed Salah having departed and Hugo Ekitiké and Federico Chiesa currently unavailable.

With Chiesa also reportedly considering his future at Anfield, Iraola could look to add another attacking option, and Liverpool appear to have identified one of the Championship’s most exciting young talents.

Liverpool In Talks For Mané

Liverpool have reportedly opened direct discussions over a potential deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Mateus Mané.

The 18-year-old has emerged as a highly-rated prospect after impressing for Wolves and Portugal’s youth teams, with his performances attracting attention from some of the biggest clubs in England.

Football 360 reports that Liverpool have already been in contact at both club and representative level. The Reds explored a possible permanent transfer during the summer, as well as a deal that would have allowed Mané to return to Molineux on loan.

Mané is primarily a winger but possesses the versatility and attacking ability that could make him an appealing long-term option for Liverpool. Former Wolves boss Rob Edwards previously described the teenager as a “fantastic” talent.

However, Wolves are reluctant to part with their prized youngster, who remains under contract until 2029 and is viewed as an important part of their future.

Liverpool could therefore face a substantial asking price, with Wolves previously understood to have valued Mané at between £35m and £50m.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are also monitoring the Portugal-England dual international, but Liverpool have already made their interest clear by opening direct talks.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider. Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.

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