PSG want to start a summer auction for France superstar Kylian Mbappe – putting Prem giants on high alert.
The leadership of the Ligue 1 champions has run out of patience with Mbappe and will refuse to let his relationship with the club drag on unless he signs the new deal he has publicly refused.
While Mbappe’s heart is set on a move to Real Madrid, the Spanish club’s lack of action leaves the door open for Prem clubs to pounce.
However, any suitor will have to stump up a staggering £250m-plus to land Mbappe, 24.
PSG will not allow Mbappe to run down his contract, which enters its final 12 months on Saturday.
Mbappe angered the PSG hierarchy two weeks ago when he stated he would not sign the offered contract extension but that he did want to see out his current deal and pick up a loyalty bonus worth £77m before leaving for nothing next summer.
It was viewed as the latest “game” played out through the media, a running theme of recent summers.
This time, however, PSG are determined they will not be held “hostage” by Mbappe or his entourage.
Instead, they have made it clear to Mbappe that they will attempt to sell him this summer unless he signs the new deal because PSG cannot countenance him leaving for free.
So far, despite three years of flirting with Mbappe, Real have not made a move, further escalating the private conflict between PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Bernabeu boss Florentino Perez.
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The pair are already at war over the Super League attempt, with Al-Khelaifi also acting as the head of the European Club Association which fought the breakaway clubs alongside Uefa.
And while PSG might be reluctant to do a deal with Madrid, they would be open to offers from Prem sides.
Liverpool have long been linked with the striker, although they may be less keen on the putative price.
Manchester United, still seeking a striker and seemingly stymied in their pursuit of Harry Kane, would also be potential suitors, although the ongoing ownership questions at Old Trafford could hamper their ability to do business at that level.
Nevertheless, PSG’s stance over the striker does mean a deal could be possible, if a Prem club is willing to push the boat out.
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