Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has seemed to suggest that the Reds could look to tie Sadio Mane down to a new long-term deal at Anfield.
The Senegal international is currently due to become a free agent in the summer of 2023 and will celebrate his 30th birthday in April, leaving his future prospects unclear.
Mane has been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid and is supposedly open to a La Liga switch this summer, but Klopp has appeared to hint that the Reds will seek an extended stay for the Africa Cup of Nations champion.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Klopp said: "It is difficult to improve on the level that Sadio is already at. Lewandowski was born in 1988. So he is 33. Then there's Messi at 34 and Ronaldo at 37.
"The massive advantage of being in your early-30s and mid-30s is that as a player you can see things in the right way if you have learned throughout your career. Sadio [who turns 30 in April] can use that and become an even better player than he was two or three years before.
"Clubs think differently. They look at a player aged 32, 33 and think, 'We can't sell him anymore'. But if they are already inside the club then that's outstanding because they already have experience and desire and quality."
Mane has banked 10 goals in 26 appearances for the Reds this season and may come back into contention for Sunday's clash with Burnley after enjoying the AFCON celebrations.
Ben Knapton
