Jurgen Klopp responds after Kylian Mbappe ‘updated’ Liverpool on final transfer decision – ReadSector

Kylian Mbappe is set to leave PSG as world football’s most prominent free agent is on the verge of a move to Real Madrid, with Jurgen Klopp admitting Liverpool were interested

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Jurgen Klopp opens up about the title race ahead of his trip to Southampton

Jurgen Klopp has aired Liverpool’s pursuit of Kylian Mbappe as he prepares for a final, massive push for a historic quadruple.

The France international has revealed he will wait until June to announce where he will play next season. He will reportedly play for Real Madrid as he becomes the highest-paid player in club history. The Reds have reportedly been informed by Mbappe that he would prefer to join his boyhood club, with a move now appearing imminent.

And Klopp hinted that he and his Anfield club were in the running to sign the PSG star, stressing: “Of course we’re interested in Kylian Mbappe, we’re not blind!”

The Liverpool manager refused to reveal whether he or the club had been in direct contact with the highly regarded striker, despite indications there were exchanges between the two parties over several months.

“Actually, I have nothing to say about it [reported contact] but between Kylian and Liverpool, ”Klopp would only say, although he knows that some people will take it as a confirmation.

However, the Reds boss hinted that despite the interest – and an apparent ability by the Anfield club to consider paying the astronomical wages Mbappe can demand – Liverpool have refused to participate in an auction. Madrid’s offer of the 23-year-old is believed to be a five-year deal, with wages HIGHER than even the nearly £50million-a-year Cristiano Ronaldo was making at the Bernabeu, and he is believed to be around £1million pounds per week.

WILL YOU PARTICIPATE! Will Mbappe make Real Madrid unstoppable? Let us know in the comments

However, Klopp made it clear that Liverpool could not take part in an ever-soaring auction with his current club PSG offering to match any number. And he said, “It’s all right, it’s all right. Of course we like him and if you don’t like him then you have to question yourself.

“But no, we’re not, we can’t be part of these battles. There have to be other clubs involved and that’s fine. He’s a great player.”

Klopp also has some great players, of course, and he hinted that two of them – Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk – will DEFINITELY be fit for the Champions League final on May 28.

Both hobbled from the FA Cup final with injuries, van Dijk with a knee problem and Salah with a strained groin, meaning they will miss the visit to Southampton, where victory is needed to take the title race to the final day of the season to lead. But the Reds boss said: “I have no doubts about the final. I’m pretty realistic about the Wolves game, but not tomorrow. Definitely not Virgil.

“The goal for both of them would be that they could be back at the weekend. Really involved. On the bench and a few minutes further or start – we’ll see.

“With Virgil we thought (even before the cup final) that’s the game [to leave him out] because he really played a lot. Saturday-Tuesday was clear again.” Klopp has hinted he will be making big changes for the game but added: “I promise we will do everything we can to win this game and take it (title race) to Sunday. “