Salah tops three-man shortlist if Mbappe leaves

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Mo Salah is PSG’s top target to replace Kylian Mbappe if the France superstar leaves this summer.

Mbappe’s future at Parc des Princes is currently in doubt as his contract expires in 2022.

READ MORE: The 50 biggest transfers ever, including Mbappe

So far there has been little progress in talks to renew his deal – unlike team-mate Neymar, who is close to extending his own contract which runs out next year.

Telefoot report that Mbappe has not yet made a decision over whether to sign a new contract or leave PSG.

The attacker wants to focus on his football for the rest of the season given PSG are still fighting in three competitions – Ligue 1, the Champions League and the Coupe de France.

Discussions will continue in the meantime between PSG and Mbappe’s representatives, with the World Cup-winner keen to see just how competitive and ambitious the team will be moving forward.

The six most expensive transfers ever

If Mbappe does choose to quit the club, then PSG have earmarked three possible replacements.

The top target is Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, who is favoured by PSG’s Qatari owners.

First contacts were already made last month between PSG and Salah’s representatives. It is a deal that could be possible given the winger’s contract expires in 2023.

PSG’s transfer chief Leonardo is also closely following the situation of Lionel Messi.

The Argentine’s contract expires at Barcelona in June and until recently he had seemed almost certain to quit the club. However, the return of Joan Laporta as president has led to reports that Messi will now prolong his stay at Camp Nou.

The third attacker on PSG’s post-Mbappe shortlist is Harry Kane.

PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino personally called Kane recently to find out what his plans are after this season, particularly if Tottenham fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Pochettino previously managed Kane while he was boss of Tottenham.