Kylian Mbappe reportedly sent a massive curveball into the summer transfer window on Monday evening after announcing his intention to leave PSG.
According to L'Equipe, Mbappe sent the French champions a letter which declared he would not be extending his deal until 2025 amid a clause in his existing contract. Should he not sign a new deal, the forward would be a free agent at the end of next season.
The 24-year-old's decision is thought to have been met with anger from PSG who found out after L'Equipe broke the story, according to the Mirror. While they are likely seething, two clubs could be set to capitalise on the misfortune of the Parisians.
Firstly, Real Madrid will be rubbing their hands together at the prospect of Mbappe being available at a cut price. It is no secret Los Blancos rate the striker.
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Last summer, Real were battling hard to sign Mbappe before he ultimately chose to sign a new two-year deal at the Parc des Princes. Should he have his heart set on leaving the club, PSG may wish to sell him so as to avoid a big loss at the end of next season.
Madrid are the only team in a position to buy him and are in need of a striker following the departure of Karim Benzema. Carlo Ancelotti has already been sniffing around replacements, including Tottenham Hotspur striker and United target Harry Kane.
Undoubtedly, if they had a choice between Mbappe and Kane, Real would choose the former. But, in doing so, they would rule themselves out of signing Kane - feasibly the funds would not be there for both.
With the Bernabeu off the table for Kane, Old Trafford would surely be his only alternative to Spurs. From what the England captain has said before, his aim is to stay in England and try to beat Alan Shearer's all-time goalscoring record.
However, Madrid were probably the only club abroad who could sway him away. United and Erik ten Hag might now be hopeful Mbappe seals a switch to La Liga to cement their place as the best alternative to Tottenham.
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