Blues face a summer battle for Mbappe

MONACO are convinced they will resist any bid for Kylian Mbappe this summer.

Pep Guardiola is a firm admirer of the French forward - and was keen to sign him last summer.

The 19-year-old has gone on to make a stunning impact in the Champions League this season prompting links to United and Real Madrid as well as the Blues. Both Guardiola and Jose Mourinho plan to strengthen their attacks this summer - but Monaco vicepresident Vadium Vasilyev insists Mbappe will stay with the French league leaders.

He said: “No player has told us they want to leave.

“Of course, we will talk with the players. But with the World Cup taking place in 2018, Thomas (Lemar), Kylian nor Bernardo would not want to leave.

“But this is not the time for discussions. We will do everything to keep them.

“One thing is for sure; Monaco will have a very competitive team next year.”

Guardiola is planning a £50m bid for Alexis Sanchez this summer placing the future of Sergio Aguero in further doubt.

But he identified Mbappe as one of the most exciting prospects in European football when taking over at City last year and was prepared to spend £33m to bring him to the Etihad.

Mourinho’s top target this summer is Antoine Griezmann - but Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s knee ligament injury means United will be looking for further reinforcements in attack.