English Premier League champions Chelsea are emerging as an interested party with regards to a potential move for Southampton’s Senegalese midfielder Sadio Mane.

The attacking talent has been a reported target of Manchester United according to The Express, as the 23-year-old is being considered for an offer from Louis Van Gaal’s side that could be worth over $30 million.

Recent reports is the Daily Mirror suggest that rivals Chelsea have now joined the race for the Saints player, making for an interesting battle between the two EPL giants in the upcoming transfer window.

Jose Mourinho’s side has been struggling this season, despite winning the league during the last campaign, and he will be looking to strengthen his squad in the transfer period.

Mane’s excellent form for Southampton makes him a prime target, but if the Saints decide to let him go, there will certainly be competition for his signature.

In October the Senegalese midfielder grabbed the headlines when he contributed to Southampton’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea. The Saints managed to turn a 1-0 advantage for the Blues into a 3-1 demolition by full time, with Mane getting on the scoresheet with a goal, showing maturity and composure while displaying a work ethic that has won him admirers.

Mane joined Southampton just over a year ago from Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, and he quickly found his feet in the English top flight.

His comfort in the EPL also produced a record, as the midfielder who often plays as a striker scored the fastest ever hat-trick in Premier League history for the Saints in their 6-1 demolition of Aston Villa in May.

He put three goals past Villa keeper Shay Given in two minutes and 54 seconds, officially breaking the record previously held by Robbie Fowler.

So far this season he has three goals and four assists in 13 appearances, and he will certainly be a talking point during the January transfer window.