Mauricio Pochettino is ‘optimistic’ about Kylian Mbappe signing a new PSG contract, amid rumours of a Liverpool move.
The French superstar is out of contract next summer and is in negotiations with the club over a new deal.
Pochettino, who took over at the Parc des Princes in January, is hoping to keep his best players as they pursue that illusive Champions League trophy.
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When asked about Mbappe’s contract situation, Pochettino said (via Daily Mail): “I am an optimist. I hope that the best players at the club, in this case Kylian, will stay here.”
The Argentinian manager was speaking after PSG’s 3-2 victory over St Etienne.
The Ligue 1 giants went behind in the 78th minute at home. Mbappe scored twice in a dramatic final ten minutes as they secured all three points.
The forward was also the star in their Champions League win over holders Bayern Munich.
He scored twice at the Allianz Arena in the first leg of their quarter-final clash. That was enough to see them through, despite losing 1-0 in the second leg.
Mbappe’s stunning form in the past few seasons has led to interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid.
The Reds want him to link up with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane in a front three. Real, meanwhile, want to make Mbappe the latest ‘Galactico’ by signing him for a huge fee.
Liverpool are thought to have the upper hand in the transfer race. Mbappe is good friends with basketball legend LeBron James, who is now part of the Liverpool owners group.
It’s hoped that James will convince Mbappe to choose Anfield ahead of the Bernabeu.
The 22-year-old has scored an incredible 35 goals already this campaign, including 23 in Ligue 1.
Along with Neymar and Angel Di Maria, he is tasked with winning PSG their first ever Champions League title.
This could be their last chance to win the competition as we know it, however. It is set to undergo major changes next season, mainly down to a new 36-team format.
PSG have also been invited to join the newly-formed European Super League, alongside the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’.
However, FIFA and UEFA have said they will not acknowledge the competition.
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