Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid have agreed they will not finalise a deal until the end of the season, according to reports. Mbappe is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain next summer and is heavily linked with a move to Real. But both parties have agreed to wait to finalise a free transfer.
Real Madrid transfer news: Kylian Mbappe is set to leave PSG in the summer (Image: GETTY)
Speaking on the Transfer Window podcast, Duncan Castles claims talks have been held between Real and Mbappe this month.
And an agreement has been reached to conclude a deal later in 2022.
"Mbappe held talks with Real Madrid in December," Castles said.
"Obviously not direct talks, through using intermediaries to discuss strategies to enable that move that both parties want.
"In those talks, the conclusion was reached that they would not finish a deal and not attempt to finish a deal in the January window, even though he is formally and legally allowed to speak to Real Madrid and sign a pre-contract if he wanted to.
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"The primary reason is Real Madrid were drawn with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Mbappe wants to respect the club and he doesn't want any problems in his last six months at PSG.
"Real Madrid also feel it would not be a good idea to try and force the deal to closure at this point, given that they have to play Paris Saint-Germain, given the complications that would have entering into the match.
"They are confident they have this deal in place when it's safer to conclude.
"And therefore you have a situation where Mbappe and Real Madrid have agreed 'we leave it until the summer, we want this to happen, the intention is there on bad sides, but the timing is bad on a sporting perspective'.