Liverpool 'impressed' by summer transfer target but face Man Utd competition

Liverpool and Manchester United are both being linked with Wolves youngster Mateus Mane, who has emerged as one of the Premier League's most exciting young players

Wolves forward Mateus Mane(Image: 2026 Pedro Porru/MB Media)

Liverpool has been impressed by Wolves youngster Mateus Mane this season, but the Reds could face competition from Manchester United to sign the 18-year-old.

Football Insider says that Reds scouts have liked what they've seen from the teenager since he broke into the Wolves team earlier this season. Mane, 18, has been one of few bright sparks for Wolves this season, and the Midlands club will struggle to keep hold of him after it is relegated from the Premier League at the end of the campaign.

The Molineux club is currently rooted to the bottom of the table on just 10 points – 17 points from safety and with just 10 games in the season remaining.

Mane made his first Premier League start at Anfield at the end of December, and has lined up in all of Wolves' top-flight game since then.

His most impressive showing came at the start of January, when he scored and assisted in Wolves' only league win of the season, at home to West Ham.

Wolves will likely be forced to sell the youngster in the off-season, with Liverpool and United said to be at the top of the list of potential suitors.

It is reported that Wolves will demand at least £50 million ($68 million) for Mane, who can play anywhere across the front line.

Chelsea and Manchester City are also reported to be interested in Mane, who is now said to be at the center of a tug-of-war at international level between Portugal and England.

Mane has played seven times for England's Under-18s, but Portugal's manager, Roberto Martinez, is a big fan of the teenager and wants him to switch his allegiance.

It is claimed that Martinez is keen to fast-track Mane into Portugal's senior team after this summer's World Cup, and it is suggested that he could be offered the opportunity to train with the seniors in the lead-up to the tournament.

The BBC reports that Mane has not made a decision on his international future, with the player keen to focus on his club form for the remainder of the season.

Mane, who joined Wolves from Rochdale in 2024, was born in Portugal in 2007 but moved to England in 2016, making him eligible to represent either country