Report: Manchester United ready to battle Real Madrid for Mbappe

Two of Europe’s biggest clubs could be set to battle for Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe’s signature in 2022.

Real Madrid have been heavily linked to the 22-year-old this summer, but the Spanish club is likely to face competition now that Manchester United have entered the picture.

The Red Devils have identified Mbappe as a future transfer target and are exploring the possibility of making a move for the French international next summer, according to ESPN’s Rob Dawson and Julien Laurens.

However, convincing Mbappe to move to Old Trafford could be difficult, considering Real Madrid are understood to be his preferred destination, Dawson and Laurens report.

The 2018 World Cup winner is expected to remain in Paris for the 2021-22 season even though he is in the final year of his contract. A team could sign Mbappe on a free transfer in a year if he doesn’t renew his current deal.

United are eager to add a center forward in 2022 to fill the gap in case Edinson Cavani leaves after his contract expires next summer, ESPN adds.

Along with Mbappe, United could also target Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, Tottenham’s Harry Kane, and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez next year.

Real Madrid had hoped to generate funds to launch their pursuit for Mbappe this offseason, but the club has conceded that signing him before the transfer window closes at the end of August isn’t possible.

Mbappe joined PSG from AS Monaco for €180 million in 2017, and he led Ligue 1 in scoring last season with 27 goals in 31 games.