Real Madrid planning to sign Jude Bellingham's former roommate if they fail to get Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid have chosen who to sign if they cannot get Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.
Mbappe continues to run his contract down with PSG ahead of its expiry in 2024.
The 24-year-old has been on Los Blancos' radar for several years, even agreeing terms last year before signing a short-term extension with PSG. Madrid recently denied making contact with Mbappe in a new statement.
It reads: "Given the information recently issued and published by different media outlets, in which there is speculation about alleged negotiations between the player Kylian Mbappe and our club, Real Madrid CF would like to state that this information is completely false and that no such negotiations have taken place with a player who belongs to PSG."
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PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has maintained that Mbappe's yet to make a final decision on his future.
If he decides to stay with the Ligue 1 champions, Real will turn their attention to Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala.
The Germany international has scored four goals and registered three assists in 12 games this season, striking up a partnership with Harry Kane.
He's established himself under Thomas Tuchel and become one of the Bundesliga's most exciting players.
Per Bild, Bayern are keen to tie Musiala down to a new contract as they know Madrid will come calling if they fail in their pursuit of Mbappe.
What the 14-time European champions have in their arsenal to tempt Musiala is close friend Bellingham.
The duo were roommates at youth international level with England and remain friends to this day.
Musiala sent Bellingham a video message after the 20-year-old won the Kopa Trophy at last month's Ballon d'Or ceremony.
He said: "Hi Jude, due to our upcoming game I could not make it to Paris tonight but I still wanted to send you congratulations on your achievement. Well deserved.
"We both can remember not long ago we were room-mates at England and now you're playing for Real Madrid and I'm playing for Bayern. Crazy when you think about it.
"I hope to see you soon. Hope you have a fantastic evening and greetings from Munich."
Bellingham joined Real from Borussia Dortmund in the summer and is already their star man.
He's scored 13 goals in 14 games, including a brace in a 2-1 El Clasico win over Barcelona.
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Topics: Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe, Jamal Musiala, Paris Saint-Germain, Jude Bellingham
Daniel Marland