Explained: How ‘friends’ could scupper Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe transfer plan as former PSG boss backs World Cup winner to snub La Liga giants

The Blancos have held long-standing interest in the World Cup-winning forward and had hoped that 2024 would be their year when it comes to getting a deal over the line. Mbappe is currently running down his contract at Parc des Princes.

Mbappe is yet to agree an extension to lucrative terms at Paris Saint-Germain, meaning that he could become a free agent this summer. Real want that situation to work in their favour, while Premier League giants Liverpool have also been linked with a shock move for the prolific 25-year-old.

Both have been told to ready themselves for bad news, with former PSG boss Luis Fernandez telling beIN Sports of why he sees no move happening: “(I think that) he will stay at PSG. When I hear everyone’s statements, from the president of PSG, who takes the initiative and talks about the issue, when I see Kylian doing the same after a match about a signed agreement, when I see that PSG wants to invest in this new technical centre. We have brought Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele, who are friends that Kylian wanted to have by his side. I think he will stay at PSG next season.”

Mbappe has been keeping cards close to his chest, with few statements on his future made in public, and no options have been ruled in or out at present. He may decide to sign a new contract at PSG, or the 2024-25 campaign could see him strutting his stuff in Spain or England.