---
title: "Liverpool in ‘direct’ talks over signing of “fantastic” Championship starlet"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/liverpool-mateus-mane-wolves-transfer-talks/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Barnaby Lane"
section: "Liverpool Transfer Rumours"
published: "2026-09-09T05:14:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-09T05:14:00Z"
---

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

[Liverpool](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/liverpool-fc-transfer-rumours/) have made an [unbeaten start to the 2026/27 campaign under Andoni Iraola](https://walkon.com/blog/supercomputer-predicts-final-2026-27-premier-league-table-2/), 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](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/liverpool-federico-chiesa-january-exit-iraola/), 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](https://football360.com.au/premier-league-transfer-news-liverpool-manchester-united-mateus-mane/) 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](https://tribuna.com/en/news/2026-01-03-mateus-mane-18yearold-forward-with-english-and-portuguese-nationality-secures-victory-for/).

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.