Luka Modric sends message to Kylian Mbappe amid Real Madrid transfer interest

Real Madrid star Luka Modric insists Kylian Mbappe must swap Ligue 1 for a more competitive league in order to fulfil his huge potential.

Los Blancos remain long-term suitors for the 21-year-old's signature and even came close to securing a transfer before football was suspended.

The France striker enjoyed another blistering season with Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 29 goals in 32 games.

And although Mbappe is mooted to link up with compatriot Zinedine Zidane in the Spanish capital, PSG sporting director Leonardo refuted claims he is preparing to let go of the World Cup winner.

Nonetheless, Modric believes Mbappe must leave Ligue 1 to reach the peak of his ability.

"Mbappe has everything to dominate the scene," Modric told La Gazzetta dello Sport .

"But I think that to make the leap in quality he needs to go to a championship in which his team does not win so easily."

PSG claimed their third Ligue 1 title in a row as the French season was ended early amid the coronavirus outbreak in April.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are in the middle of a title race with rivals Barcelona in La Liga.

Both Spanish giants won over the weekend so Los Blancos remain two points behind Barca heading into the final 10 rounds of fixtures.

Modric is now 34 but has continued to play a vital role in Zidane's team, scoring four goals and providing five assists in 29 appearances.

The Croatian is heading into the final 12 months of his contract but insists he wants to play at the Santiago Bernabeu for at least two more seasons before moving to a coaching role with the national team.

Modric added: "I'm sure I can play at a high level for two more years, then we'll see.

"I would like to end my career at Real, but it will also depend on the club.

"Of course, I'll do the coaching course. For us, the national team is a feeling above football, both as a player and as a coach I'd be honoured to be there."