LIVERPOOL SET TO KEEP STAR FORWARD

Liverpool are in a strong position this season as the club are in the run-in for the Premier League title. Liverpool also have a quarterfinal tie against Porto in which they are huge favorites to progress.

The good form of the team has naturally brought about transfer rumors of star players leaving to one of the top teams in Spain. One player who has been repeatedly linked to a move to Spain is Senegalese ace Sadio Mane.

The 26-year-old forward has been a key member of the Liverpool squad since his switch from Southampton three seasons ago. Blessed with pace, power, and goals, Mane has been sensational in the past two seasons.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague revealed that Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane was interested in the forward last summer. According to Balague, there was concrete interest in the player but the surprise resignation by Zidane put an end to further discussions.

He alluded that it would be difficult for the Los Blancos to sign the Senegal international as he has signed a new deal with no buyout clause. Liverpool are under no pressure to sell their prized asset.

Mane has been the most important Liverpool forward in the past two months.star forward Mohammed Salah has been off the pace of recent and Mane has carried the club scoring 9 goals in his past eight appearances for the Reds.

This has taken his tally in the league to 17 goals one shy of Sergio Aguero for the top scorer award. Liverpool have shown resilience this season as they continue to trade blows with Manchester City at the top of the League.

The Reds would be hoping that the Mercurial forward can lift the team through the last phases of the season for their first title in 29 years.