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Kylian Mbappe, PSG and Real Madrid: Its complicated

Burley: Kylian Mbappe is the biggest baby in world football (1:54)

Craig Burley says Kylian Mbappes ego has taken over after rumours of his desire to leave PSG. (1:54)

Kylian Mbappe wants out at PSG and Real Madrid are keen, but whats really going on? ESPNs Insider Notebook has the latest.

Real Madridarent considering yet another move for long-time top targetKylian Mbappe, sources told ESPN, after they were scorned by his last-minute U-turn that saw the star forward snub them to stay atParis Saint-Germainin May.

ESPN reported on Tuesday that Mbappe, 23, is pushing to leave PSG -- just five months after signing a new contract -- after his relationship with club executives broke down over what he views as broken promises regarding team tactics and recruitment. PSG sporting director Luis Campos has denied the reports, saying Mbappe has expressed no desire to leave in the January transfer window.

Sources said Madrid are not planning on reigniting their longstanding interest in Mbappe, and while a move cannot be entirely ruled out should he become available, the LaLiga club are now focusing on other targets.

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Mbappe was expected to join Madrid on a free transfer last June, bringing an end to a years-long saga which had seen him become a top priority for president Florentino Perez. Yet Mbappes late change of heart saw theFranceinternational spurn Madrid to extend his deal at the Parc des Princes did not go down well at the Bernabeu.

Mbappe initially cited PSGs sporting project as having convinced him to stay, but later said he had comeunder pressure from president Emmanuel Macron to continue his career in France. Sources told ESPN that Mbappe now feels that assurances he received about his role in the PSG team -- he would like to play alongside a conventional No. 9 and wanted an exit for teammate Neymar -- have not been met.

Madrid chose not to bring in an alternative after missing out on Mbappe, putting their faith inBrazilforwardsVinicius Juniorand Rodrygo Goes to deliver alongsideKarim Benzema. Vinicius, 22, has followed his winner in the Champions League final by scoring seven times in all competitions so far this campaign, whileRodrygo, 21, has contributed four goals in Madrids unbeaten start.

In the long term -- and when the time comes to replace Benzema, now 34 -- the club could revive their interest inErling Haaland, after their pursuit of Mbappe and Benzemas career-best form saw them drop out of the race to sign him this year. Haaland has made a spectacular start to life in the Premier League withManchester City, scoring 20 goals in his first 12 games.

Javier Tebas, the president of LaLiga, told ESPN the league would welcome a player of Mbappes calibre if Real Madrid were to press ahead with a move.

When I talk about Madrid, I do it thinking of most of their fans, who always are looking for exceptional players and top world quality. And Mbappe is one of those players, he said.

I can see its difficult for the club because it hurts what he did to Madrid in the summer, but I dont think fans are going to say no to adding such a player to their squad. If Mbappe comes, he will be applauded, cheered, followed. ... I am convinced.-- Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez

Kylian Mbappe has long been tipped for a move to Real Madrid.

Manu Reino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Real Madrid watch Xabi Alonsos managerial progress

Real Madrid will be watching Xabi Alonsos performance as Bayer Leverkusen manager with interest, sources told ESPN, viewing the former Liverpool, Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder as a potential candidate to take charge at the Bernabeu.

Alonso, 40, was appointed by Leverkusen on Oct. 5 as the Bundesliga club look to turn around a dreadful start to the season in which they have taken just five points from their first eight league games. Madrid will be monitoring Alonsos progress closely, sources said, as the LaLiga giants believe that he fits the profile of a possible future Real Madrid manager.

The former midfielder had the opportunity to play for and learn from some of the most successful coaches of recent years including Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola. Alonso is a familiar face at Madrid, having followed his five-year spell there as a player by managing their under-14s through the 2018-19 season in his first coaching job. He went on to impress in his three years in charge of Real Sociedads B team, leading them in 2021 to their first promotion to Spains Second Division in 60 years.

Madrid now want to see how Alonso develops in this next phase of his coaching career with Leverkusen, which is his first top-flight appointment. Alonso had an immediate impact, beating Schalke 4-0 in his debut last week, although a 3-0 home defeat to FC Porto in midweek left them bottom of Champions League Group B with two rounds of matches remaining.-- Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez

Rob Dawson talks about Cristiano Ronaldo after the Manchester United striker scores his 700th career club goal.

Manchester Unitedwill activate an extension inDiogo Dalots contract to ward off interest fromBarcelona, sources told ESPN. Dalot is into the final year of the deal he signed after joining from Porto in 2018 but United have an option to extend his stay until 2024.

Barcelona are one of a number of clubs monitoring his situation, but the 23-year-old will not be available on a free transfer next summer.

Dalot has established himself at the first-choice right-back since Erik ten Hags arrival as manager, playing 11 games in all competitions so far this season. ThePortugalinternational is into his fifth season at Old Trafford and approaching 100 appearances for the club. He spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Milan but has since become a key part of the squad at United.

He is also set to be part of the Portugal squad at the World Cup in Qatar alongside club teammatesCristiano RonaldoandBruno Fernandes.-- Rob Dawson

Janusz Michallik reacts to Manchester Citys 0-0 draw with FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

Manchester Cityhave made a central midfielder their priority ahead of next summers transfer window, sources have told ESPN.

The club are looking at options to strengthen their midfield includingBorussia DortmundteenagerJude Bellingham. City spent an initial 42 million to signEnglandmidfielderKalvin PhillipsfromLeeds Unitedlast summer and they are set to invest again at the end of the season. There remain doubts over the futures of bothIlkay GundoganandBernardo Silva. Gundogan has entered the final year of his contract and could leave for free at the end of the season.

Bernardo, meanwhile, is still a target forBarcelonaandParis Saint-Germain.-- Rob Dawson