Liverpool have launched a bid to convince French international Kylian Mbappe to join the Anfield side on a free transfer in the summer after his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires. 

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Real Madrid have long been the frontrunners in the race to sign Mbappe, with president Florentino Perez looking to woo the 23-year-old to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mbappe has not indicated where he might ply his trade next season, describing PSG as “one of the best teams in the world” after scoring the winner in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie against Los Blancos on Tuesday. “I’m going to give it my all for the remainder of the season. I haven’t decided on my future,” Mbappe said in his post-match comments. 

However, according to a report by Spanish outlet Sport, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will use his relationship with Mbappe to try and convince him to join the Merseyside club. The German manager has been an admirer of Mbappe, with the World Cup winner also having previously lauded The Reds’ style of play. 

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With their ‘fab three’ forward line of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah ageing, Liverpool have been looking for quality replacements off late, acquiring players like Diego Jota and Luiz Dias. 

Mbappe has been one of the most coveted players in world football in recent years and was once again the difference maker for PSG on Tuesday, netting a late winner to give the hosts a slender lead as the club look to win their first Champions League title. 

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Mbappe revealed in October last year that he wanted to join Madrid and that he informed PSG about his decision. The French giants rejected multiple offers from Madrid that went up to €200 million before the transfer window closed, according to ESPN. 

“I asked to leave because from the moment I didn’t want to extend (my contract), I wanted the club to receive a transfer fee to bring in a quality replacement,” Mbappe said.

Mbappe’s contract runs out this summer and will be able to join any club as a free agent.