Manchester United have been urged to put themselves in contention for any transfer deal involving Kylian Mbappe, with Rio Ferdinand hoping his former club are “chasing” Paris Saint-Germain’s World Cup-winning forward.
At just 19 years of age, the France international has become one of the most sought-after and highly-rated talents in the global game.
His exploits for his country this summer have helped to further enhance his profile, with four goals recorded for Les Bleus as they swept to football’s biggest prize at Russia 2018.
Mbappe was on target in a 4-2 final triumph over Croatia, with that effort helping him to the Best Young Player Award, and speculation regarding a big-money move has resurfaced during the current window.
Ex-United defender Ferdinand believes those at Old Trafford have to be in the mix if the exit doors in Paris are nudged open, telling BBC Sport: "He is the guy who will be standing up on that Ballon d'Or podium in years to come. Easy.
"I hope my old club are chasing him. He has that connection with Paul Pogba, too.
"There is already maturity beyond his years."
Mbappe’s goal against Croatia, as he put the finishing touches to France’s victory, saw him become only the second teenager after Brazil legend Pele to net in a World Cup final.
It is achievements such as that which have seen him heavily linked with the likes of Real Madrid, as those in the Spanish capital bid farewell to five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
PSG, though, took up the option of turning a loan agreement with Monaco into a permanent deal for the youngster.
A €180 million (£159m/$211m) deal is due to keep Mbappe at Parc des Princes, with a man who netted 21 times at club level last season already stating that he intends to still be in France for 2018-19.
He told reporters on the back of his World Cup heroics: "I will stay with PSG, continuing on my path with them.
"I am at the beginning of my career."