Monaco reject Liverpool's Mbappe bid

And so it begins, or perhaps just continues, for Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe. Rumours have been swirling around the future of the star turn throughout his breakout Ligue 1 and Champions League campaigns, but Marca are now reporting an initial bid for the 18-year-old has already been rejected by the club.

The bidder in question was Liverpool, who reportedly lodged a €75 million offer that was quickly rebuffed by the principality club. Monaco president Dmitry Rybolovlev is thought to be holding out for a significantly higher fee, perhaps in the region of €100m for his prized asset and has also suggested that, in a perfect world, Mbappe would spend one more season with the newly minted Ligue 1 champions.

Whether Monaco can keep Mbappe or not remains to be seen. Scorer of 15 goals in the French top flight -- and a further six in the Champions League -- Mbappe is reportedly enamoured by a potential move to Real Madrid. If Los Blancos come calling with a Galactico-sized offer, it could be one Rybolovlev just can't refuse.

Chelsea locking up Hazard

Speaking of Galacticos, Chelsea are lining up a £300,000-a-week contract to convince Eden Hazard to stay at Stamford Bridge, amid interest from Real, who want to make the Belgium international the first £100 million footballer.

The London Evening Standard reports that Chelsea's desire to keep Hazard is such that they have told him they will build their team around him for years to come, and have also said he will not be sold to Los Blancos.

Thankfully for Chelsea, it is also reported that the 26-year-old, who still has three years to run on his current £200,000-a-week deal, is not looking to leave this summer.

Barca back for Bellerin

There is more than just Champions League football at stake for Arsenal this weekend. Mundo Deportivo reckons that Barcelona will move for Hector Bellerin if the Gunners don't make the top four.

It is said that Bellerin, who is under contract at Arsenal until 2022, is happy in the Premier League. And despite his status as one of the Gunners' top-paid players, Bellerin is thought to be interested should the chance arise to join Barcelona.

Barca, for their part, have already begun preparations for Bellerin's return to his hometown side and the club where he began his footballing career with La Masia, having spoken to Arsenal about a €50 million transfer.

Oblak could replace De Gea

Manchester United are also preparing for interest from Real Madrid for one of their star men. Should Zinedine Zidane's team move for David De Gea then Jose Mourinho is ready to replace him with Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak.

Sources have told ESPN FC that although United will fight to keep De Gea at Old Trafford they are realistic about the chances of him moving on and have received positive signals from Oblak, and have sounded him out about a deal.

Both goalkeepers could transfer for major money with United reported to want £60m for De Gea. However, that figure will be put in the shade by Oblak who is said to have an £85m buyout clause in his contract.

Tap-ins

- Having wrapped up the Premier League title, Antonio Conte has been given £200m to strengthen Chelsea over the summer and he will start by targeting the transfer of Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco. The Telegraph claims the 22-year-old midfielder could cost as much as €50 million.

Michy Batshuayi, who faces an uncertain future with the club despite scoring the goal that secured their title this season, could be offered in part-exchange or on loan in order to strike a deal with Monaco.

- Middlesbrough might have been relegated, but Ben Gibson's performances have attracted interest from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea. However, the 24-year-old nephew of Boro owner Steve Gibson will not be sold this summer, according to the Daily Mail. With a quick return to the Premier League on the agenda for Boro next season they do not want to cash in on Gibson just yet.

- Harry Redknapp wants Robbie Keane to join him at Birmingham and spoke to the veteran striker about a move during Tottenham's final game at White Hart Lane on Sunday, the Mirror reports. Keane, 36, is a free agent after leaving LA Galaxy in December, but has been training with Shamrock Rovers and Al Ahli to maintain fitness.

- According to Romanian outlet Stiripesurse, Steaua Bucharest centre-back Gabriel Tamas has been let out of his contract to join a yet-to-be-named Major League Soccer side. The 33-year-old has played for Galatasaray, Spartak Moscow, Celta Vigo, Auxerre, West Brom, Doncaster and Watford during his career.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by MICHAEL WADE

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