PSG chief in message to Mbappe as ‘Klopp bets on Liverpool deal’

PSG sporting director Leonardo has told both Kylian Mbappe and Neymar that the Ligue 1 giants will not “beg” the pair to extend their contracts, amid more claims linking the former with a move to Liverpool.

The attacking duo – both considered among the world game’s most prized attackers – have just 18 months left on their deals.

Talks over new contracts with the pair have been held, but neither are yet to reach an agreement.

Indeed, Neymar has been heavily linked with a return to former club Barcelona.

However, the pair could yet link up again at PSG with Neymar saying he wants a reunion with Messi in the French capital.

“What I want most is to play with [Messi] again, to be able to enjoy being on the pitch with him again,” Neymar told Brazilian reporters (via Metro).

“He could play in my place. He won’t have any problems, I’m sure. I want to play with him again and I’m sure that, next season, we have to do it.”

However, the one PSG will probably face the toughest task to hang on to is Mbappe.

The 22-year-old is regularly linked with moves to Real Madrid, while Liverpool are also said to be in the hunt. As such, a report claimed the Reds had a calculated financial plan to lure the France forward to Anfield.

Furthermore, Spanish publication Sport (via Sport Witness) claims that Liverpool are still a ‘strong opponent’ to sign him.

In addition, they claim that Jurgen Klopp ‘bets heavily’ on Mbappe to ‘strengthen and refresh’ his starting XI with the Premier League champions currently fourth this season.

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Leonardo message to Mbappe, Neymar

Despite that, Leonardo is hopeful both players are happy in the French capital and will extend their contracts.

“I hope that they are convinced that PSG is a good place for a high level and ambitious player,” Leonardo told France Football.

“We just need to find an agreement between their desires, their demands, our expectations and our means. We are not going to beg: ‘Please, stay.’ It is more calculated than that.

“Those who really want to stay will stay. We speak regularly and I have good feelings on both of those matters.”

Mbappe, 22, and Neymar, 28, have scored a combined 37 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions this season.

READ MORE: Liverpool star signs pre-contract agreement with Euro giants