Kylian Mbappe's proposed switch to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly nearly a done deal.
The 23-year-old is running down the final few months of his existing contract with Mauricio Pochettino's side, although speculation has emerged over a possible short-term extension.
However, Mbappe is still free to enter negotiations with foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement, with Real Madrid widely expected to land the former Monaco starlet on a free transfer.
Spanish football expert Gemma Soler claims that Real believe they are now on the verge of Mbappe's signature, telling ESPN: "Well Real Madrid still think it's almost a done deal.
"Florentino Perez is very confident, even if they're not saying it publicly. Of course officially they're not saying that but that's what they talk in the White House.
"That's what they think and they think they've put in a lot of effort. They tried in the summer, they even made a €200m offer, they decided to wait.
"So for them, there's no possibility - at least that's what they say to the closest parts - that there is no possibility for them to wait one more season for this short contract for PSG. There's no chance for that.
"They want Mbappe now because they have the money now and if it's not they will try to sign another flamboyant signing like Haaland or any other player.
"So that's the position of Real Madrid. They even think they could sign him before the end of the season, even though they won't be making it possible until the summer. That's what they think in Madrid right now."
Mbappe - who boasts 19 goals and 15 assists from 27 appearances in all tournaments this season - has already ruled out the prospect of a January move to the Bernabeu.
Ben Knapton
