Manchester United are firmly in the hunt to sign Kylian Mbappe, according to reports in France.

Mbappe, regarded by many as the current greatest player in the world, has signalled his intention to leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires next summer.

PSG are now likely to want to cash in on a player valued at around €200million (£171m) rather than lose for free next year.

Spanish publication El Pais reports on Tuesday that prospective new Manchester United owner Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, chairman of Qatar Investment Bank, has long been planning to sign Mbappe should he buy United.

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The Premier League giants are yet to confirm who their preferred bidder with the Glazer family reportedly set to decide this week. Sheikh Jassim and INEOS chief executive Sir Jim Ratcliffe are the two leading candidates.

The report adds that Mbappe has been aware of Sheikh Jassim's desire since February and is "interested" in the prospect of playing for the Premier League giants.

El Pais reports that the proposal is "win-win situation" for both player and PSG - also owned by Qatar - as the club can pocket a huge transfer fee and Mbappe will move to the biggest club in England and the strongest league.