Real Madrid to sign Kylian Mbappe if this star leaves

According to a report from Spanish outlet Marca this afternoon, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane will only give the green light to the Blancos pursuit of Monaco star Kylian Mbappe if one of the club’s current stars is to depart the Bernabeu.

Odd man out

While Colombian attacker James Rodriguez is expected to depart Madrid this summer, rumour has it that Zidane would like to immediately insert Mbappe into his starting line-up, meaning one of the club’s first-choice attackers would also become expendable.

And, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema said to be untouchable in the Spanish capital, the name on the chopping block of the Champions League winners is that of Welsh star Gareth Bale.

Difficult year

With a combination of injury troubles and a return to form for Spanish star Isco leading to a tough campaign for Bale in Spain, rumours have been rife in recent weeks that Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea may be readying bids for the one-time PFA Player of the Year.

And, with the grip of the Blancos hierarchy on the former Spurs star said to be loosening further by the day, it looks increasingly likely that this summer could mark the end of Bale’s trophy-laden spell in Madrid.