Ligue 1: Monaco reject world record £103 million bid for Kylian Mbappe from Real Madrid
Monaco have turned down a world-record fee of around €120 million euros (£103m) from Real Madrid for 18-year-old striker Kylian Mbappe, Telegraph Sport understands.
The bid was lodged in the last few days and would beat the €100m Manchester United paid Juventus for Paul Pogba and the fees paid by Real for Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
READ MORE: Gossip - Manchester clubs battle for ‘£100m Neymar, ‘Conte and Kante to quit Chelsea’ and more
READ MORE: Guardiola - What have I learned from my first season? Score more goals
The French champions are, instead, hoping to agree a new deal with Mbappe and have no intention of selling him this summer despite the worldwide interest. Crucially they may sell next summer, however, after the World Cup.
Monaco vice-president and chief executive Vadim Vasilyev steadfastly refused to discuss details of any bids for Mbappe, who is the most wanted player in Europe, with Telegraph Sport and insisted that such negotiations were confidential.
READ MORE: Klopp - My Liverpool team deserve to finish in the top four
READ MORE: Blind - I may be an Ajax fan but on Wednesday I am a Red
Vasilyev would not confirm Real’s interest, although sources close to the offer have suggested it is genuine.
Vasilyev said: “The plan is to do everything to prolong him (Mbappe) and to do everything that he stays a minimum one more year with us.”
Asked directly whether Monaco will turn down bids for Mbappe, Vasilyev added: “We will, although that will depend, of course, also on the player. We will make an offer to prolong his contract and hopefully he will accept and stay with us. I think in the month of June, before the season starts.”
READ MORE: Why losing Alexis Sanchez would be a nightmare for Arsenal
Mbappe, with 15 goals, has been a revelation this season. He has helped lead Monaco to their first title for 17 years and also into the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Vasilyev added: “He will definitely be one of the top players in the world. He has everything to succeed. He has the skills, the technique, the speed, the mentality, the competitive spirit. He has a great family who surround him. He has all the ingredients to be a world success.”
The hottest prospects in European footballRegisterLog incommenting policy