Mbappe is targeted by MLS for bombshell transfer

MLS chiefs are exploring the possibility of a shock deal for wantaway Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.

Mbappe's future in Paris has been the subject of intense speculation this summer, with PSG determined to cash in on their prized asset before his contract expires next year.

The French club accepted an astonishing $332million offer from Saudi Arabia last month - which would have smashed the world transfer record they set by signing Neymar for $256m back in 2017 - only for Mbappe to reject talks with Middle East team Al Hilal.

It is believed the 24-year-old would even be prepared to sit on the bench throughout his final season at PSG in order to leave on a free transfer next summer and then seal a sensational move to Real Madrid.

However, Scottish publication The Daily Record are reporting that Mbappe could soon receive an offer to go and play in the United States.

After luring Lionel Messi to America earlier this summer, MLS executives are understood to be preparing an innovative deal structure for the France international, which could be both a short and long-term play.

Mbappe was put up for sale by PSG last month, at which point MLS began plotting a deal which could bring a future Ballon d'Or winner to its shores.

Such a significant transfer would likely require the same kind of novel funding structure the league adopted to bring both Messi and David Beckham to the States. Apple, MLS' broadcast partner, contribute to Messi's salary package at Inter Miami, while he also holds an option to take shares in the franchise.

In a recent interview, MLS commissioner Don Garber hinted at a potential move for Mbappe, describing the league as 'ambitious and innovative'.

'There was only one David Beckham, there's only one Lionel Messi,' said Garber. 'But, you know, who knows? Mbappe wants to come into the league and a team in our MLS wants to do something unique? MLS is ambitious and innovative and who knows what kind of structure we'll come up with.'

The secondary transfer window in MLS closed last week, with clubs able to begin registering new signings again at the end of January.

By that stage, however, Mbappe would be eligible to negotiate a free move to Real Madrid for the following summer should he remain a PSG player up until January.

The former Monaco winger has spent the last six years in Paris after initially heading to the Parc des Princes on loan in 2017, before PSG forked out an eye-watering $198m to sign him permanently one year later.

He has produced a return of 212 goals in 260 games for the Ligue 1 team, winning five French titles and reaching the Champions League final in 2020.

PSG are said to be demanding around $165m for their star man in the summer transfer window.

Mbappe is not the only headache they have right now, nevertheless, amid reports that Neymar is also seeking a move away from the club this summer.

According to French outlet L'Equipe, Neymar informed PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi of his desire for a move away from Paris on Sunday.

The Brazil international is said to have grown increasingly unhappy at PSG and is now determined to seal a sensational return to Barcelona before the end of the transfer window.