Despite Mbappe falling out with PSG during the summer over his contract situation and Madrid opting not to go big on a new striker in the wake of Karim Benzema’s departure, Cadena Ser claimed last week that Florentino Perez and co have ‘definitively’ ruled out the signing.

Now Spanish daily AS (via Sport Witness) add to that rather big assertion by suggesting that Mbappe’s financial demands are simply too great for Madrid.

The forward is reportedly asking for €35m (£30m) per year (after tax), as well as a massive €100m (£87m) signing-on bonus – making him a particularly expensive ‘free’ transfer.

Instead, AS say that Real Madrid are now looking at Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who – as an out-and-out ‘number nine’ – wouldn’t get in the way of current left winger Vinicius Junior.

The report also hints that Mbappe already has an ‘important’ offer on the table from Liverpool – with the Reds still regularly touted as in the mix for the player who finished third in this year’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

One recent report in France claimed the Reds have always remained optimistic about a move for the striker after years of (admittedly tenuous) links, including his mum’s supposed love of Liverpool.

However, the chances of the Reds actually being able to match Mbappe’s demands, even if Real Madrid really have dropped their interest, are beyond slim.

Using AS’ figures, Mbappe will require a salary equivalent to £575k a week (net) from his next club – vastly more than the Reds’ current top earner Mohamed Salah, who is on a reported £350k a week (gross). And, that’s not factoring in bonuses.

Those numbers already represent a significant discount on Mbappe’s current deal, with PSG reportedly paying out as much as €72m (£63m) a year for the striker.

Even if Salah were to leave for the Saudi Pro League next summer, bringing in a significant fee, Mbappe’s signing remains improbable.