Kylian Mbappe will not return to normal training with Paris Saint-Germain this week despite the return of the squad from the club’s pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea.
The 24-year-old was put up for sale by PSG in July and also left out of the club’s tour squad, which led to him training separately from his team-mates.
PSG have now returned to Paris and will resume training at Poissy tomorrow, however Mbappe will continue to train with the ‘loft’, a group of players who are not seen as part of the club’s plans this season.
PSG insist that there has been no change in the forward’s contract situation, which has led to the standoff.
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Mbappe had the option to extend his contract, which currently runs until 2024, by a further year, however that clause expired at the end of last month.
In June, he informed PSG that he would not be exercising the option in the deal he signed last summer — but intended to stay for this coming season.
PSG are determined not to allow Mbappe to depart the club for free next summer, and are convinced that he has agreed to join Real Madrid once his deal expires next year. Mbappe has had long standing interest from Real Madrid, who failed to sign him last summer.
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The Athletic revealed in January that Madrid have not ceased contact with Mbappe’s entourage after their initial attempt was thwarted.
Mbappe has been subject to other interest. The Athletic reported last month that Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal made a €300million (£259m; $332m) offer for Mbappe.
PSG, meanwhile, will be preparing for their first Ligue 1 match of the new season under coach Luis Enrique against Lorient on August 12.
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(Photo: Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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