Mane returns to childhood village pitch for football match with locals and ex-stars

Played in the village of Bambaly, a place where the Liverpool star says 'it all began' for him, Mane joined friends and a number of fellow footballers on the muddy pitch he grew up playing on.

Mane competed alongside a number of friends from the area, as well as his 'idol' former Liverpool striker El-Hadji Diouf, former Newcastle ace Papiss Cisse, international team-mate Mbaye Diagne and Beninese star Desire Segbe.

Sharing a photo and a video to his official Instagram account, Mane's translated post said: "Back to the source with a gala match on the Bambaly pitch where it all started!!!

"A big thank you to my brothers @papissdembacisse @mbayediagne909 @desire.segbe and without forgetting my lifelong idol, sacred @elhadji_diouf11_officiel."

While Mane was playing alongside some high-profile figures back in Senegal, the chances are that he'll be playing on a much bigger stage next season.

The Liverpool forward continues to be the subject of intense speculation regarding a move to Bayern Munich.

The 30-year-old is entering the final year of his contract at Anfield and, with the German champions deadly serious about their pursuit of the star, it seems that a move is gathering pace.

Fabrizio Romano revealed that a deal had been agreed over a move to Munich, saying that a move is 'really close'.

"Sadio Mane has reached full verbal agreement with Bayern on personal terms," he tweeted.

"Three-year contract ready - talks will enter into final stages with Liverpool, new bid set to be submitted.

"[Liverpool] are aware of his decision: Mane wants Bayern - and it's really close now."

Liverpool signed Mane's replacement on Tuesday, as Benfica striker Darwin Nunez was confirmed in a deal that could reach £85million.

That fee, if fulfilled, would make the Uruguayan forward the most expensive signing in Liverpool's history.