Kylian Mbappe 'signs five-year contract with Real Madrid'

Last week, it was widely claimed that the France international had opted to end his seven-year stay with Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires at the end of the season.

That is despite the best efforts of PSG, who naturally wanted to keep the 2018 World Cup winner at the club, whereas on Real's side, they were eager to avoid an extended saga like two years ago.

As it stands, there has been no formal announcements from any party, that potentially waiting until May or June when their respective campaigns have reached a conclusion.

Nevertheless, according to Marca, Mbappe has already officially signed terms with the La Liga leaders.

The report suggests that the 25-year-old penned a deal with Real as far back as two weeks ago to confirm his intentions of a switch to the Bernabeu.

In recent days, it has been suggested that Real have not been willing to hand Mbappe the same financial terms that he rejected two years ago before opting to remain at Parc des Princes.

Nevertheless, he is still due to become the club's highest earner and receive an extraordinary signing-on fee in the region of £85.5m.

Furthermore, it is suggested that PSG have been discouraged from making any further offers to retain Mbappe's services by the player's entourage.

In his first game since reports alleged his intended departure, Mbappe was dropped to the substitutes' bench for the Ligue 1 fixture away at Nantes.

He would still be introduced as a 62nd-minute substitute, ultimately scoring a decisive second goal from the penalty spot to strengthen PSG's position at the top of the Ligue 1 standings.

Mbappe has now netted 32 strikes in all competitions during 2023-24, the versatile frontman focused on delivering a Champions League trophy before his exit.

Last week, Mbappe again got on the scoresheet as PSG recorded a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their last-16 tie.