Liverpool told which world-class star they must sign instead of Kylian Mbappe as Klopp goes after statement deal

A pundit has told Liverpool to avoid the signing of Kylian Mbappe and pursue another world-beater with a large price tag instead.

Mbappe is once again in sensational form this season, having notched 19 goals and five assists in 20 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain. And the striker was also brilliant while representing France at the Qatar World Cup.

He bagged eight goals and two assists as France reached their second consecutive World Cup final. This saw Mbappe come up against PSG team-mate Lionel Messi, who was also his rival for the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards.

Mbappe hit a hat-trick in the marquee event, helping Les Blues to complete an astonishing comeback. But it was Messi’s day – the Barcelona legend scored two goals of his own, and Argentina won the trophy by triumphing in a penalty shootout.

Mbappe edged out Messi for the Golden Boot award, but Messi got the main prize as well as the Golden Ball.

Mbappe caused a stir earlier this year by penning a new contract at PSG, amid intense transfer links with Real Madrid.

Despite his recent renewal, there have been claims the forward could leave PSG in the new year. As per Spanish newspaper Sport, Mbappe is frustrated with officials at the Ligue 1 side for not living up to several promises made during the contract talks.

And he also feels he would be more successful if he went to another major European outfit, such as Real. Due to these factors, Mbappe has been tipped to tell the PSG hierarchy he wants to leave.

Liverpool, Man Utd may rival Real for Kylian Mbappe

Of course, Real will once again be the frontrunners to complete a monumental deal for him. But Manchester United and Liverpool could also be in the mix. They are two teams with enough history to be big enough for Mbappe.

During an interview with Football Insider, former striker Frank McAvennie was asked about the prospect of Liverpool signing a world-class player in 2023. Jurgen Klopp is clearly after a statement transfer to show Liverpool still mean business.

However, McAvennie doesn’t think they should pursue Mbappe, instead recommending Jude Bellingham as the next Anfield arrival.

“I think Liverpool will be going for Bellingham rather than Mbappe,” the pundit declared.

“They need that position, they need him to sign. It will be the resurgence of Liverpool. I think they need to spend that kind of money rather than astronomical amounts on Mbappe.

“They have got enough shirt sales that they do not need him.”

McAvennie is right about Liverpool’s requirements. Midfield is a much more pressing issue for Klopp than attack right now.

And the Reds have also agreed to sign Cody Gakpo from PSV. This means they don’t need to add another forward, in the form of Mbappe, to their ranks.

Bellingham has the potential to completely transform the look of the Liverpool midfield. And there have now been suggestions he could join for £60m, rather than the £100m+ figures that have previously been touted.

Mbappe would clearly be an incredible signing for Klopp and Liverpool. He looks set to become the next best player in the world once Messi hangs up his boots.

But a new striker simply isn’t a priority for the Merseyside club right now. And they would also struggle to meet his colossal wage demands.

Meanwhile, a midfield alternative to Bellingham for Liverpool has broken his silence on the transfer rumours.