Senegal striker Sadio Mane seems destined to remain at English Premier League club Southampton, rather than follow through on interest from Portuguese sides Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.

The two clubs from the Portuguese capital are reportedly keen to see the Senegalese striker make an impact on the country’s top flight, in the same way that he has at St Mary’s with the Saints.

Mane has looked comfortable at Southampton since joining from Red Bull Salzburg last year, finding his footing in front of goal to produce six goals and contribute to a positive season in which the Saints have played above expectation to currently place in seventh on the log, a point away from fifth place and fighting for European football next season.

With that in mind, it seems that the Senegal striker would prefer to ignore the interest from Portugal in favour of remaining in the Premier League, which will please coach Ronald Koeman, who has done well at the club despite a difficult beginning to the season in which the side sold numerous important players.

This allowed for others to shine, and Sadio Mane has been a player who has filled the gap that was left in attack by some of those who departed during the transfer season.

The Portuguese giants will be disappointed that their interest is set to be ignored, and may push on with improved offers in order to entice the player and force Southampton to consider the possibility.