Jurgen Klopp has ruled Liverpool out of the race to sign Kylian Mbappe and says the Reds ‘cannot be part of these battles’.
Mbappe is set to become a free agent this summer as he approaches the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain, with the forward expected to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer after interest from the Spanish champions last summer.
The 23-year-old – who has scored 168 goals in 216 appearances for PSG – has been tentatively linked with Liverpool with reports in France suggesting the Reds have had contact with the forward over a potential move to Anfield.
Klopp was asked on potential interest ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Southampton on Tuesday and admitted he would have to be ‘blind’ to not be interested in Mbappe.
“Of course we are interested in Kylian Mbappe, we are not blind!” Klopp told the media.
The German was pressed on whether there had been contact between the club and Mbappe’s representatives but appeared to rule Liverpool out of the race, admitting the Reds are unable to compete when it comes to the signing of the France international
“I have nothing to say about that. We obviously like him, and if you don’t obviously you have to question yourself.
“But no, we cannot be part of these battles. There must be other clubs involved but that’s fine. He is still a great player.”
Marca are reporting that Mbappe will sign for Real Madrid this summer, after the Spanish side saw several bids rejected last summer. The reports come just weeks Le Parisien suggested that Mbappe was ready to commit his future to PSG and sign a new deal at the Parc des Princes, a deal that reportedly included a huge signing on fee.
