The Reasons Why Zinedine Zidane Has 'Made a Request' to Real Madrid to Sign Sadio Mane

Zinedine Zidane is looking to revolutionise his Real Madrid attack this summer, with Senegalese forward Sadio Mane topping the Frenchman's wish list because of the qualities he's shown at Liverpool in the last few months.

Mane is enjoying his best season to date, with 20 goals in all competitions this term meaning he has already equaled his entire tally from last season. However, it is not just the 26-year-old's goal scoring exploits which have enticed new Madrid boss Zidane.

In a report by Spanish publication ​Marca, they confirm ​Los Blancos' desire for someone who will grab a match by the scruff of the neck, and possesses lightening quick pace - both of which are apparently key areas Zidane has earmarked for improvement. The Frenchman himself is reported to have requested the move himself to the club's decision makers.

Vinicius Jr has added some much needed spark to a Madrid frontline, however, that has been unquestionably weakened since Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, thus the need for a further injection of dynamism in attack has become vital in Zidane's plans.

Marca's report follows on by mentioning the importance of ​Mane's versatility in attack, something that was demonstrated following the arrival of ​Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. The Senegalese forward subsequently moved to the left side effortlessly to accommodate his African teammate, and the ease at which he can switch between both feet is considered an important trait.

Throughout his time in the Premier League, Mane has been among the elite speed merchants of the division, more than capable of retaining his top speed even with the ball at his feet. This facet of this game was something Ronaldo was more than adept at doing, thus Zidane is eager to return this quality in his attack, with Madrid sorely lacking such an attribute this term.

Furthermore, the French boss is a keen admirer of his fellow countryman ​Karim Benzema, with Mane's relationship with Salah providing optimism that such a partnership could be formed with Madrid's top scorer this term. Mane's ability to create spaces for his fellow forwards, yet still get amongst the goals, is highly desirable.

However, despite the interest shown in Mane, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague stated on his ​YouTube channel that the story is already dead in the water, with the Reds having no intention of selling their forward.

"Let me tell you what I know of that. Basically yes we do know for certain that Zidane wanted Mane to come in the summer," he said.

"Conversations took place, as in Real Madrid showed interest in him. But of course Zidane left and that was that. So it was an easy story to recover – and that’s what has happened. The story is out there again but the problem is Liverpool have basically no interest whatsoever in getting rid of Mane. There is no buyout clause. There is no way to actually get Mane out of Liverpool. So with that in mind I would say that story is basically dead."