Manchester United have launched a surprise bid to sign Southampton winger Sadio Mane.

Press Association Sport understands United made a bid for the Senegalese 23-year-old last week.

Mane enjoyed a successful year at Southampton last term but United’s interest in the player was unknown until now.

Southampton signed Mane from Red Bull Salzburg last summer for £10million.

In his first year at Saints he scored 10 goals in 34 appearances, including the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history in the 6-1 win over Aston Villa.

The news comes hot on the heels of Chelsea leapfrogging Manchester United in their attempts to sign Pedro from Barcelona.

SEE MORE: Read Southampton’s 2015/16 season preview.