Madrid door shuts on Mbappe

Real Madrid aren't considering another move for long-time target Kylian Mbappe, after they were snubbed, while Mbappe, 23, could be pushing to leave PSG just five months after signing a new contract, after his relationship with club executives broke down over what he views as broken promises regarding team tactics and recruitment. 

PSG sporting director Luis Campos has denied the reports, saying Mbappe has expressed no desire to leave in the January transfer window. Madrid are not planning on reigniting their longstanding interest in Mbappe, and while a move cannot be entirely ruled out, the La Liga club are now focusing on other targets.

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Mbappe was expected to join Madrid on a free transfer last June, bringing an end to a saga in which he became the top priority for president Florentino Perez. Yet Mbappe's late change of heart saw the France international spurn Madrid to extend his deal at the Parc des Princes, which did not go down well at the Bernabeu.

Mbappe initially cited PSG's sporting project as the reason he stayed, but later said he had come under pressure from president Emmanuel Macron to continue his career in France. Mbappe now feels that assurances he received about his role in the PSG team have not been met: he would like to play alongside a conventional No. 9 and wants an exit for teammate Neymar.

Madrid turn to youth

Madrid chose not to bring in an alternative after missing out on Mbappe, putting their faith in Brazil forwards Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes to deliver alongside Karim Benzema. Vinicius, 22, has followed his winner in the Champions League final by scoring seven times in all competitions so far this campaign, while Rodrygo, 21, has contributed four goals in Madrid's unbeaten start.