REAL MADRID are widely considered favorites to sign Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.
But with Liverpool emerging as serious contenders and Mauricio Pochettino taking over at the French champions, the superstar striker’s future is far from decided.
Former Tottenham boss Pochettino is hoping to persuade Mbappe, 22, to stick around amid interest from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
With the World Cup winner’s contract set to expire in 2022, Pochettino needs to act fast to secure his services.
But the Reds are increasingly confident of signing Mbappe, according to L’Equipe.
Real are also said to be fearful any transfer to them could fall through because they expect Gareth Bale to return after his underwhelming spell at Tottenham.
And here SunSport reveals the five reasons Liverpool are Los Blancos’ main competition in the race to sign him.
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MBAPPE LOVES THE PREMIER LEAGUE
Mbappe is a huge fan of English football.
The lure of playing in the best and most famous league in the world would be almost impossible for him to resist.
This is according to AS who wrote: “The spotlights of the Premier League – a competition he loves – is just what he craves.”
MBAPPE ADMIRES JURGEN KLOPP
Klopp has drawn admirers from across the globe with his high-press attacking brand of football.
And Mbappe is said to be one of them.
The striker reportedly believes the German and his style of play would get the best out of his own abilities.
MBAPPE AND LIVERPOOL BOTH HAVE NIKE DEALS
The Reds struck a mega-money £80million-a-year kit deal with Nike last January.
Liverpool previously had their kits supplied by New Balance since 2015 and were earning £45m every season.
But the club decided to switch it up after a bitter legal battle with New Balance and their partnership with Nike commenced on June 1, 2020.
Mbappe is also signed to a bumper sponsorship deal with the American sportswear giant.
And he recently collaborated with basketball superstar – and minor Liverpool shareholder – LeBron James on the LeBron 18 trainers.
LIVERPOOL’S HISTORY
Despite Mbappe’s recent domestic success with PSG he still craves Champions League glory which Liverpool could give him.
He has won Ligue 1 four times, and the French Cup and League Cup twice each.
But he is yet to win the Champions League with PSG having reached the final and lost last year against Bayern Munich.
SHIRT SALES WILL PAY FOR THE DEAL
As part of their deal with Nike, Liverpool are said to net 20 per cent of the profits from each shirt sold.
PSG are planning to insert a £225m buyout clause in any new Mbappe contract and his Liverpool wages would be in the region of £500,000-a-week.
But with the inevitable huge increase in shirt sales if Mbappe signs, some of the Reds’ outlay would be offset.
