No Real deal for Mbappe, insist Monaco

MONACO: Monaco insisted on Wednesday that no deal with Real Madrid has been reached for teenage French international striker Kylian Mbappe.

Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev also said in a press conference the principality club were in discussions with Mbappe over a new contract extension.

The 18- year - old has been the subject of intense transfer speculation linking him to a worldrecord 180- million- euro ( US$ 210m,£160m) move, with Spanish sports daily Marca reporting on Tuesday that a fee had been agreed between Real and the French Ligue 1 champions.

“I have read a lot of things in the press,” said Vasilyev.

“So far we have not signed any agreements with Real or any other club. All big clubs want him, he’s the great hope of European football.

“We are in discussions over a contract extension with Kylian and we hope to reach an agreement.”

When pushed further on whether Mbappe, whose current contract runs until 2019, would leave or sign a new deal, the Russian said: “No, he should not go.

“Why should he do it? He is a player that everyone will want, even if he has a year left, everyone will be on him.”

Mbappe burst onto the scene last season as he helped Leonardo Jardim’s side claim their first French league title since 2000 and reach the Champions League semi-finals. — AFP