Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid decision amid Liverpool links as Raphinha transfer update issued

Kylian Mbappe has kept Liverpool fans’ hopes of a sensational move to Anfield alive by declaring that he will not be joining Real Madrid in the January transfer window.

The PSG icon has been heavily linked with a move away from the French capital in recent months, with Real emerging as reported frontrunners to secure his signature if and when he does leave.

Liverpool are also said to be in the conversation surrounding Mbappe’s next destination, however, with ESPN claiming recently that the forward remains a “long-term” target for the Reds.

And after his latest reveal, the Kop will be optimistic that their side are still in with a chance of landing one of world football’s biggest stars further down the line.

What as Mbappe said about his future at PSG?

Speaking to CNN, recently, Mbappe made it clear that he has no intention of walking away from PSG any time soon.

He said: “No, I’m not joining Real Madrid in January. In January it’s not happening.

“I’m with Paris Saint-Germain, I’m really happy and I will 100 per cent finish the season as PSG player.

“I’ll give everything to win with Paris all titles this year.”

Mbappe was also reluctant to reveal any specifics on his future plans, however.

He added that now is “really not the time” to discuss transfers.

What are the bookies saying?

Unsurprisingly, Mbappe’s comments have all but quelled any market speculation on his leaving PSG next month.

At the time of writing, the odds of him staying in France beyond the January transfer window currently stand at 1/100.

According to bookmakers, however, there are still a number of clubs in with an outside shot of landing Mbappe, and their prices could shed some light on who might have a better long-term chance of securing his signature.

Real still lead the chasing pack at 14/1, but it’s Chelsea - not Liverpool - who come in next at 16/1.

The Reds are among the runners and riders, but they currently sit at a relatively distant 18/1.

What’s the latest on Liverpool’s pursuit of Raphinha?

Of course, Mbappe isn’t the only exciting forward Liverpool are being linked with at the moment, and with the looming AFCON-related absences of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane to contend with, there is still every chance that the Reds could look to bring in reinforcements in the more immediate future.

One name that continues to be mentioned is that of Leeds United talisman Raphinha, and again, Jurgen Klopp’s men may have been handed a boost in their efforts to land their man.

Bayern Munich have been widely touted as admirers of the Brazilian, with TNT Sports even going as far as to suggest that they had a £42 million January agreement in place with Leeds on Christmas Eve.

Not only has that rumour been largely discredited in the days since, but The Athletic’s Phil Hay has now claimed that the German giants are not expected to be busy in next month’s window at all.

Theoretically, that could clear a path for Liverpool to make their move for the winger, although it is worth reiterating that Leeds are expected to resist any potential exit for their star man in the coming weeks.