MLS 'plotting shock deal to sign Kylian Mbappe' after Lionel Messi success

Major League Soccer is planning an audacious move to sign Kylian Mbappe from PSG after the success of Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami, according to reports.

Mbappe looks destined to leave PSG in some form this summer, having rejected an extension to his current contract.

PSG are reportedly convinced that the France forward has already agreed terms to join Real Madrid when his deal expires next summer - and The Guardian claim that Mbappe has been banished from training with the main first team group as a result of the dispute. Liverpool and Chelsea are among the clubs interested in signing him.

The reigning Ligue 1 champions have already seen Messi depart this summer to Inter Miami, while L'Equipe report that Neymar has told Les Parisiens that he wants to leave the club.

The prospect of PSG losing their 'holy trinity' in one window would have been unthinkable two years ago - but that could very well happen this summer.

And, according to a new report, the MLS is keen on sealing a deal for Mbappe.

MLS clubs 'interested in signing Kylian Mbappe'

According to the Daily Record's Duncan Castles, the MLS has begun exploring a potential move for the 24-year-old this summer.

It is claimed that the league's executives are considering an 'innovative deal structure' to sign Mbappe, and have looked to put a 'swift deal' in place ever since he was placed on the transfer list by PSG.

Due to the MLS salary cap and a restriction on the amount of Designated Players each franchise can have, there would be a limited number of teams that could put forward a proposal to sign the Frenchman.

HE DID IT AGAIN. 🤯

LEO MESSI. FREE KICK. EQUALIZER. 4-4. pic.twitter.com/Yh1TXFDENH

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2023

And the report adds that a 'novel funding structure' would be required to complete a deal, similar to the transfers of David Beckham to LA Galaxy and Messi to Inter Miami.

But the success in bringing Messi to the United States - and the vast amount of worldwide media attention and record-breaking viewing figures the Argentinian has brought in - has convinced MLS chiefs that a deal for Mbappe is worth doing.

Messi has scored seven goals in his first four Leagues Cup games for Inter Miami, and has already taken football in the States by storm.

As the league's highest-profile signing in history, the 36-year-old could be playing against Mbappe when the MLS season resumes later this month - if executives get their way.