Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti feels the club are unlikely to make a move for Kylian Mbappe until the summer.
The Frenchman has entered the final six months of his Paris Saint-Germain deal. He is free to discuss a pre-contract with a foreign club.
It is well known that Madrid are long-term admirers, but they are likely to delay their approach for another couple of months at least.
They face Les Parisiens in a double-legged Champions League round of 16 tie and may only make a contract offer following those games.
Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti has now said he has no idea over Mbappe’s situation but hinted that a summer move could be on.
He told via Goal: “I don’t know. We think we will continue to fight for titles.
“It’s an interesting moment because we’re back in La Liga – we have the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
“It’s an important moment. [Moving for Mbappe is] the last thing to do, which I think is what will happen on June 30.”
Football Today verdict:
Mbappe wanted to leave Les Parisiens for Madrid last summer, but the French giants were not keen on doing business.
There was reportedly an offer of €222 million on the table, but Les Parisiens had a firm ‘not for sale’ stance on Mbappe.
There has been no progress over a new deal in recent months, and it appears likely that Mbappe will leave for free.
He has openly stated his ambition to play for Madrid, and it could be a straightforward decision to sign for them.
A pre-contract deal would be an ideal solution, but the Champions League tie between the clubs is a hindrance.
Madrid don’t want to spoil their good working relationship with Les Parisiens and seem prepared to wait for Mbappe.
