Kylian Mbappe has declared he may yet stay at Paris Saint-Germain despite the fact he is out of contract in a matter of months.
The forward, 23, has long been linked with Real Madrid and many fans suspect he will join the Spanish giants on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Los Blancos submitted two bids for Mbappe last summer but PSG rejected their approaches, including the improved offer of £145.5million.
The Frenchman's future has continued to dominate headlines throughout the season, during which he has registered a remarkable 23 goals and 17 assists. He was at his brilliant best in a 5-1 victory over Lorient on Sunday, scoring twice and grabbing three assists in the Ligue 1 thrashing to maintain PSG's 12-point lead at the top of the table.
Speaking after the match, Mbappe insisted that signing a new contract to remain at the Parc des Princes remains a possibility, replying "yes, of course" when asked if he could extend his stay.
PSG are believed to be preparing a fresh incentive for the World Cup winner to commit his future to the club as L'Equipe report they are willing to offer him the captain's armband, which is currently worn by Marquinhos. Mbappe has skippered PSG at times this season and the Parisian club hope the prospect of leading the team week in, week out may convince him to stay.
As well as his double against Lorient, Mbappe set up Lionel Messi once and Neymar twice with a masterful performance in the French capital which left opposing manager Christophe Pelissier in no doubt he is the "best in the world". "When you're dealing with such a player, it's difficult," Pelissier said of Mbappe. "I think there are few people who ever see such strong players. Right now he's the best in the world.
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"It's [amazing] to have him in Paris and to be French. But afterwards, when we are opponents, we are not necessarily happy that he is there."
Although Mbappe lit up the Parc des Princes, there was a bitter atmosphere ahead of kick-off with Mauricio Pochettino booed in the wake of PSG's Champions League capitulation against Real Madrid. Sergio Ramos was also jeered as he came off the bench in the second half, forcing Pochettino to defend him in his post-match press conference.
"We are all affected," the PSG manager said. "I think it's the frustration of the fans for the result, I don't think it's directed against him, he's a great champion, he deserves respect like all the players in the Paris Saint-Germain." PSG return to action against relegation-threatened Clermont Foot next Saturday aiming to continue their procession towards the league title.
