Luis Enrique has insisted that Kylian Mbappe's future at Paris Saint-Germain "does not depend on him" amid intensifying Real Madrid transfer links.
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Mbappe's contract set to expire in the summer
Madrid mulling to offer a pre-contract to the forward
Enrique distances himself from Mbappe future
WHAT HAPPENED?
The French forward's current contract at Parc des Princes is due to expire this summer and he is now free to negotiate a pre-contract with any other club of his choice. According to reports, Real Madrid are still eager to bring him onto their books and are set to table a lucrative proposal in the coming day, having already set a mid-January deadlinefor the 25-year-old to make a final decision on his future.
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WHAT LUIS ENRIQUE SAID
When Luis Enrique was asked how he was going to manage the uncertainty over Mbappe's future, the PSG manager snapped at the question and said: "As I always have done up to this point. It isn’t an issue that depends on me. I am not the one to respond to this question."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Ligue 1 champions are well aware of Real Madrid's intentions and have reportedly drawn up "budgets and plans" to cope with the potential departure of their talismanic forward. However, PSG have not yet completely given up on tying Mbappe down to a new long-term contract, especially after opening extension talks with his brother Ethan.
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Real Madrid are not the only club ready to move for Mbappe this month. PSG may also need to fend off the advances of Liverpool, who have been named as the 'most credible and dangerous candidate' to sign the forward by French outlet Le Parisien.
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WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid are reportedly holding firm on their stance that they will not wait for Mbappe beyond the given deadline, and will push for alternative targets if he decides to stay at PSG. It is decision time for the France international, who is due to return to action for his current club in a Trophee des Champions final clash against Toulouse on Wednesday following a brief winter break.