Liverpool may have already signed Sadio Mane's long-term replacement, according to former Reds defender Stephen Warnock.
The Senegal forward has been a revelation since arriving from Southampton for £34m in the summer of 2016, crucially helping the Reds get back into the Champions League in his first season with the club.
Since then, he has formed out of the world's most feared attacking trios alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino that has helped Liverpool to Champions League, World Club Cup and Premier League glory.
Mane has been regularly linked with moves to Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid but remains a key part of Jurgen Klopp's plans.
And while Warnock does not feel the Reds are necessarily in any danger of losing Mane any time, he says the arrival of Diogo Jota means the 28-year-old's eventual replacement may already be Anfield and able to learn from the man whose boots he may step into.
Warnock told Stadium Astro (via the Mirror ): "Sadio Mane's 28 right now, so when he gets to 32 is there someone who would come in with a ridiculous offer you can't refuse?
"I don't think that would happen with Mane. He's loved his time at Liverpool.
"If you want to be the best and challenge for titles, you have to have the squad depth - that's what [Diogo] Jota brings to this front line.
"It allows Klopp to rest at least one or two of the players with quality to replace them.
"When you've got the calibre of Roberto Firmino, [Mohamed] Salah and Mane, you're learning form them day in, day out in training.
"There's not many players at Liverpool who haven't improved.
"I do expect him to fully improve. I think he will be the person to take over from Sadio Mane in may be four years time.
"He knew he was coming to Liverpool as back-up and he would have to force his way in.
"He's more than happy to do that and he's got plenty of time on his side. He looks like a valuable player to Liverpool already."
