Liverpool 'ready to pay world-record fee for PSG's Kylian Mbappe'

Alongside Real Madrid, the Reds were briefly considered to be one of the leading contenders to prise Mbappe away from the Parc des Princes on a free transfer last year.

The 24-year-old ultimately snubbed both teams to extend his stay with the Ligue 1 champions for another two years, and those terms include an option to extend until the summer of 2025.

However, Mbappe has now informed PSG that he has no plans to trigger the extension, meaning that he could depart on a free transfer at the end of next season as things stand.

The former Monaco starlet has affirmed that he wants to remain in the French capital before making a decision on his future next year, but PSG are not willing to run the risk of letting Mbappe leave for nothing.

As a result, Les Parisiens are determined to offload Mbappe this summer if he still refuses to pen an extension, with Real Madrid still thought to be his most likely destination.

However, speaking to Spanish outlet Marca, FIFA agent Marco Kirdemir astonishingly claimed that Liverpool are prepared to break the bank and spend as much as $300m (£237.1m) on Mbappe.

Such a deal would see Mbappe become the most expensive player in history, surpassing the €222m (£191.8m) fee that PSG paid to sign Neymar from Barcelona in 2017.

"Liverpool is competing with Real Madrid and wants to pay a fortune for Mbappe, that fortune he speaks of would be around 300 million," Kirdermir told the publication.

The agent added that PSG have been left "very angry" by Mbappe's refusal to extend his stay, but Real Madrid may wait until 2024 before making their move, in spite of Karim Benzema's unexpected departure.

Los Blancos have already spent big on Jude Bellingham this summer and have also reinforced their attacking ranks through the signing of Joselu, who has joined on loan from Espanyol with an option to buy.

Manchester United has been mooted as an alternative destination for Mbappe if Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani purchases the club from the Glazer family, but no agreement has been struck over a takeover yet.

Mbappe ended the 2022-23 season with an impressive 41 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances, becoming PSG's highest scorer of all time in March's 4-2 Ligue 1 win over Nantes, leaving Edinson Cavani in his wake.

The 24-year-old now boasts 212 goals and 98 assists from 260 matches in Parisian colours, and Liverpool's attacking ranks have been depleted by the exit of Roberto Firmino on a free transfer.

Moves for RB Leipzig's Dominik Szoboszlai and Rennes' Jeremy Doku have been suggested, and the Reds are also said to have joined the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

However, Jurgen Klopp is still prioritising another one or two midfield acquisitions following the £35m signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion.