Paris Saint-Germain reportedly intend to propose a new contract to Kylian Mbappe, despite the likelihood of it being rejected by the forward.
Soon after the end of last season, it emerged that the France international had informed PSG officials that he intended to depart Parc des Princes on a free transfer in 2024.
This was a decision immediately contested by PSG, who had hoped that their most prized asset would at least sign a one-year extension to ensure that they do not lose him for nothing.
As a result, an impasse ensued, leading to Mbappe being banished from the first-team squad until he was later reintegrated at the beginning of the campaign.
Since then, the 2018 World Cup winner has impressed with eight goals from nine appearances, all but one of those strikes coming in Ligue 1.
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However, speculation remains that Mbappe will sign for Real Madrid in July, with the 24-year-old officially allowed to hold pre-contract discussions in January.
According to Sport, PSG are yet to give up hope of renewing Mbappe's contract in some way, even if it is just until 2025.
The report claims that a one-year extension will be presented to Mbappe as early as next week in the hope that there is leeway for positive negotiations.
If Mbappe was to reject those terms, the indication is that PSG would accept defeat in attempting to keep Mbappe in the long term.
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Having been unable to pay big-money for a new striker during the last transfer window, president Florentino Perez will give the green light for a replacement for Karim Benzema at the end of 2023-24.
Joselu - on loan from Espanyol - is currently filling the void, already chipping in with five goals and two assists in all competitions.
While it is plausible that Los Blancos may retain the 33-year-old's services, it is widely expected that Mbappe will be targeted to become first choice.
That would allow Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo to return to the flanks, rather than be deployed as a front two like they have done on occasions this season.
Darren Plant
