By Frank McAvennie

14th May, 2023 | 7:00am

Sadio Mane backed for 'big' Chelsea move after source's reveal - pundit

Frank McAvennie has claimed Sadio Mane’s Liverpool connection won’t stop him from joining Chelsea.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said it seems like club allegiances no longer exist in football.

On Monday (8 May), sources told this site that Chelsea are planning to submit a proposal to the 31-year-old as they eye up a move this summer.

The forward’s current contract at Bayern Munich runs until 2025 after joining from Liverpool last summer for a reported fee of £35million including add-ons.

Despite a poor start to the season, the Senegal international has recently returned to Thomas Tuchel’s starting lineup, but the German club are still willing to sell.

Leading managerial candidate Mauricio Pochettino, who is believed to have verbally accepted an offer from the Blues, is keen to bring Mane to Stamford Bridge, with the player also interested in a return to the Premier League.

When asked if Mane would be willing to one of Liverpool’s Premier League rivals, McAvennie told Football Insider: “I do not think players bother about that.

“I know people will say it is not about the money with Mane but it is because he gives a lot of it away.

“I do not think there is that allegiance anymore. Me, I could not do it.

“Mane from Liverpool to Chelsea, it is not really as big a problem nowadays.

“I would love to see him back at Liverpool because they have missed him. He would do a great job at Chelsea.“

In other news, Chelsea explore move for £70m Man United target.