Kylian Mbappe: Sheikh Jassim plans for blockbuster Man Utd transfer derailed as French president intervenes

Manchester United are reportedly facing two significant hurdles in their apparent quest to sign Kylian Mbappe, with the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, also looking to get involved.

The future of the PSG superstar is once again in the news following claims he has no intention of extending his deal at the club. That is currently due to expire in summer 2024, leaving the Ligue 1 giants with a major quandary.

To that end, they do not want to lose their prized asset on a free transfer. Yet his astronomical £900,000 a week wages means few clubs in the world game can afford to finance his signing. And that’s even if they could land him on a free.

However, with that prospect hitting PSG in the face, it is claimed they could look to cash in on their star man this summer. Indeed, trusted reporter Ben Jacobs claims officials at Paris Saint-Germain are “fuming” at the news that Mbappe has no intention of triggering the one-year extension option in that deal.

That has rekindled suggestions of a move to Real Madrid, who are long-time suitors of the 24-year-old. However, while Los Blancos are in the market for a new striker this summer, it is uncertain they could meet PSG’s huge €200m (£171m) asking price.

And having on Wednesday announced the signing of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in a deal topping £103m, Real may not be prepared to lavish another huge spend on a player they can sign on a pre-contract agreement in six months time.

READ MORE: Man Utd spring into action as Mbappe drops PSG bombshell to leave straight summer fight with Real Madrid

Man Utd ready to enter Kylian Mbappe transfer race

With Real Madrid seemingly not willing to try and sign Mbappe this summer, an opportunity could now present itself to Manchester United. Under the Glazers, a transfer such as this would be wholly out the question.

However, with Sheikh Jassim’s takeover of the club expected to soon be announced, the Qataris are reportedly clearing funds for five blockbuster signings.

And while deals for the likes of Kim Min-jae and Mason Mount and are already in the works, Mbappe is reportedly one of Sheikh Jassim’s huge targets at United.

Furthermore, with the funds to make the move happen, United could find themselves sole suitors for the World Cup winner.

However, reports suggest any move for Mbappe will be not be quite so simple to pull off.

For starters, his wage demands are clearly on another level compared to anyone else at Manchester United. And while Erik ten Hag is open to the idea of extending his ideal £200,000 a week salary limit to a higher level, it would still be quite the leap for them to finance a deal for Mbappe.

Mbappe wages an issue for Ten Hag

United’s top earner is currently David De Gea on £375,000 a week. That deal, though, is due to expire in just two weeks time. Once that lapses, their top earner will be Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, both of whom around £350,000 a week.

Even if accepting a 50% wages cut, Mbappe would still easily take home significantly more than United’s top earner. And therein lies a scenario that Ten Hag is keen to avoid.

Secondly, any potential deal will also likely face opposition from French president Macron.

Asked by a young PSG fan about Mbappe’s future while in Paris this week, Macron said he had “no scoop” on the superstar’s future.

However, in a light-hearted exchange, he did add that he “will try to push for” the 243-goal striker to stay.

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