Saudi Arabian Club Al Hilal Make World Record £259m Bid for Mbappe

Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have made a world record £259m bid for Paris St-Germain (PSG) forward Kylian Mbappe, reports the Press Association.

The 24-year-old France captain, who has a year left on his contract, has refused to sign an extension at the French champions and was not part of the pre-season tour to Japan.

PSG want to sell Mbappe now rather than let him leave for free next summer.

Neymar’s £200m move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 is the current record.

PSG activated Brazil forward Neymar’s release clause to make him the most expensive player in the world.

Should he move, Mbappe will have commanded two of the three highest fees paid for a player after joining PSG from Monaco in 2017 for £166m.

Mbappe has said he wants to remain at PSG for one more year before leaving when his contract expires. He is widely believed to want to join Real Madrid.

Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi has made clear his determination to take a tough stance, saying it is “impossible” that Mbappe be allowed to leave on a free transfer in 2024.

BBC Sport understands a number of clubs have enquired about Mbappe and PSG would be willing to sell this summer.

However, Real may now be tempted to make a formal bid for the player to make sure they don’t miss out on him again.

PSG are determined not to lose Mbappe – who reportedly cost more than £150m when he signed from Monaco – for nothing.

Interested clubs have been alerted to the fact that PSG are even willing to loan Mbappe out for the season.

However, Mbappe is willing to dig his heels in, sit on the sidelines next season and leave for Madrid on a free transfer next summer.

The 24-year-old will not play for PSG again if he does not extend his contract.