Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he has been keeping tabs on new signing Sadio Mane since 2012.
The Merseyside outfit announced the arrival of Mane on a long-term contract from Southampton on Tuesday.
It is believed that the Reds parted with around £30m to get the deal done with the Saints, where Mane spent the last two seasons of his career.
The Senegal international, who previously played for Metz and Red Bull Salzburg, scored 25 goals in 75 appearances for Southampton.
"I have followed Sadio for a lot of years since his impressive performances in the Olympics in 2012, and then watched his development in Austria and in his time at Southampton," Klopp told Liverpool's official website.
"Since I came here I have spoken to the staff a lot about him and have always felt he could be a very good signing for us. He has a lot of quality, works hard and has a very good goalscoring record.
"When I spoke to him I could tell that he was passionate about joining the club and playing for our fantastic fans. I think they will be just as excited about seeing him put on a Liverpool shirt as I am. It is great that we have managed to sign him so he can work with us from the first day of pre-season."
Mane is Klopp's fourth signing following the acquisitions of Marko Grujic, Joel Matip and Loris Karius.
Danielle Joynson
