Barcelona and Real Madrid set to do battle over wantaway Kylian Mbappe

Posted Thursday, August 03, 2017 by ESPN

Barcelona and Real Madrid set to do battle over wantaway Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is set to be at the centre of a transfer battle between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Neymar's impending move to Paris Saint-Germain has shocked European football, and the madness of the transfer market is likely to intensify in the next few weeks as French publication L'Equipe reports Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe is ready to push for an exit.

Barcelona, who appear vulnerable after losing a third of the "MSN", will be desperate to acquire another superstar to appease their disgruntled fans and lead the race, according to the report.

As straight replacements go, the Blaugrana could strike it lucky, though the 18-year-old may have his heart set on Real Madrid, given neither club is likely to offer him a starting role as a centre-forward with Luis Suarez and Karim Benzema so well established.

A meeting has already taken place between the France international's entourage and the Catalan giants, though Los Blancos will surely enter the race, if only to deny their rivals from acquiring the best young player in Europe.