Real Madrid ready to tempt Kylian Mbappe away from Paris Saint-Germain once again – Paper Round

Spanish newspaper Marca believes that we are in for another few months of speculation over Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe.

“The French footballer, as he announced to his club, has not accepted the various renewal offers from PSG and the date is approaching for a new soap opera with Real Madrid, which will be reactivated once again.

“If Mbappe still doesn’t renew on January 1, then the possibility of him signing for any other club will be open again. His contract expires on June 30, 2024 and since the feud between him and his club broke out, nothing has changed in this regard.

“The key date, just like two years ago, will be January 2024 and it seems very clear that this time Perez will not accept anything other than Mbappe’s written commitment as soon as possible.

“Therefore, there are only two and a half months left for the soap opera to return to the scene with the same protagonists, the player, PSG and Real Madrid.

“It is also clear that it seems like this is the last chance for the footballer to join Real Madrid, something that, as he has expressed on more than one occasion, is his dream.”

The Telegraph expects Sir Jim Ratcliffe to complete his purchase of part of Manchester United.

“Sources close to talks maintain a deal is still within sight over the next fortnight, with submissions “progressing at a clip” as the Ineos owner closes in on an agreement. However, there is said to remain some discussion still to settle over Ratcliffe’s likely £1.35 billion investment which would grant him immediate control of football operations at Old Trafford.

“Some within negotiations had been hopeful earlier this week that a final proposal would be ready to be voted on by the club’s 12-strong board in a pre-arranged meeting on Thursday.

“However, a well-placed insider aware of discussions on both sides has told Telegraph Sport there will be “no decision this week”. Some key figures inside the deal also remain sceptical that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has entirely withdrawn his interest in the club. Sources close to the Qatari, however, have reaffirmed their insistence that he told the Glazers last week he had quit the process.

“Ratcliffe, meanwhile, is keen to get his deal done as soon as possible so he can be in charge of football operations in time for the January transfer window.”

With Ratcliffe closing in on a minority stake in Manchester United, the Mirror suggests that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has given up hopes of buying the club.

“Sheikh Jassim had been hoping to complete a full takeover at Old Trafford after the Glazers announced last November they would “consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions”.

“The Qatari banker’s final offer was worth around £5billion and he had pledged to clear United’s debts and invest an additional £1bn in the transfer market, while also improving the club’s facilities. In a statement released after his first bid, a spokesperson said: ‘The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch and – above all – will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.’”

Chelsea could face a tough task in developing a new ground or improving their existing stadium, according to The Sun.

“Any plan to build on site requires permission from the Chelsea Pitch Owners. A group of 13,000 fans plus a few connected celebrities who own the freehold to the ground.

“Chelsea are engaged in consultation with them and are mindful of the constraints of building on their existing home.

“Even with full renovation, experts estimate that Stamford Bridge could only accommodate 60,000 when full to the brim.

“There is much more room just 1.5 miles up the road at Earl’s Court where a much bigger stadium could be built while Chelsea see out their time at Stamford Bridge – their home since 1905.”